U.S. patent application number 09/826164 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-08 for magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element and method for making the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Alps Electric Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Hasewaga, Naoya.
Application Number | 20010038927 09/826164 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18618303 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010038927 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hasewaga, Naoya |
November 8, 2001 |
Magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element and method for making
the same
Abstract
A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element including a
composite comprising an antiferromagnetic layer, a pinned magnetic
layer, a nonmagnetic conductive layer, a free magnetic layer; hard
bias layers for orienting the magnetic vectors of the free magnetic
layer in a direction substantially orthogonal to the magnetization
vector of the pinned magnetic layer; and a conductive layer for
supplying a sense current is provided. The hard bias layers are
provided at the two sides of the free magnetic layer. The hard bias
layers and the free magnetic layers are in contact with each other
at least partly. Bias underlayers are provided at the bottom of the
hard bias layers.
Inventors: |
Hasewaga, Naoya;
(Niigata-ken, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Assignee: |
Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
18618303 |
Appl. No.: |
09/826164 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/811 ;
257/E43.004; 257/E43.006; G9B/5.114; G9B/5.116 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/1259 20150115;
H01F 10/3263 20130101; Y10T 428/12611 20150115; G11B 2005/3996
20130101; Y10S 428/928 20130101; B82Y 25/00 20130101; Y10T
428/12875 20150115; G11B 5/3967 20130101; Y10T 428/12542 20150115;
Y10T 428/12854 20150115; B82Y 10/00 20130101; Y10S 428/90 20130101;
Y10T 428/12576 20150115; Y10T 428/12931 20150115; H01F 10/3268
20130101; H01F 41/308 20130101; Y10T 428/12674 20150115; G11B
5/3903 20130101; Y10T 428/1266 20150115; Y10T 428/1107 20150115;
B82Y 40/00 20130101; Y10T 428/1121 20150115; Y10T 428/12861
20150115; H01L 43/12 20130101; Y10T 428/11 20150115; H01L 43/08
20130101; Y10T 428/12465 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/692 |
International
Class: |
G11B 005/127 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 6, 2000 |
JP |
2000-104821 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element comprising: a
composite comprising an antiferromagnetic layer, a pinned magnetic
layer having a first magnetization vector pinned by an exchange
anisotropic magnetic field with the antiferromagnetic layer, and a
nonmagnetic conductive layer formed between the pinned magnetic
layer and a free magnetic layer, the free magnetic layer having a
second magnetization vector; hard bias layers formed on two sides
of the free magnetic layer so that at least part of each hard bias
layer is in direct contact with the free magnetic layer, wherein
the hard bias layers orient the second magnetization vector of the
free magnetic layer in a direction substantially orthogonal to the
first magnetization vector of the pinned magnetic layer; a
conductive layer to supply a sense current to the free magnetic
layer, the nonmagnetic conductive layer, and the pinned magnetic
layer; and bias underlayers each provided under each of the hard
bias layers, wherein the bias underlayers control the crystal
orientation of the hard bias layers.
2. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to claim
1, wherein the magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element is of a
dual type in which the nonmagnetic conductive layer, the pinned
magnetic layer, and the antiferromagnetic layer are provided on
each of opposite sides in the thickness direction of the free
magnetic layer.
3. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to claim
1, the composite further comprising at least one nonmagnetic
interlayer which separates at least one of the pinned magnetic
layer and the free magnetic layer into two sublayers, wherein the
two sublayers are in a ferri-magnetic state in which magnetization
vectors of the two sublayers are antiparallel to each other.
4. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to claim
2, the composite further comprising at least one nonmagnetic
interlayer which separates at least one of the pinned magnetic
layer and the free magnetic layer into two sublayers, wherein the
two sublayers are in a ferri-magnetic state in which magnetization
vectors of the two sublayers are antiparallel to each other.
5. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to claim
1, wherein each of the bias underlayers has an extension extending
to the interface between the free magnetic layer and each of at
least two hard bias layers provided at the two sides of the free
magnetic layer.
6. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to claim
2, wherein each of the bias underlayers has an extension extending
to the interface between the free magnetic layer and each of the
hard bias layers provided at the two sides of the free magnetic
layer.
7. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to claim
5, wherein the thickness of the extension of each of the bias
underlayers is less than or equal to about 1 nm.
8. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to claim
6, wherein the thickness of the extension of each of the bias
underlayers is less than or equal to about 1 nm.
9. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to claim
1, wherein the bias underlayers comprise a nonmagnetic metal having
a body-centered cubic structure.
10. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 2, wherein the bias underlayers comprise a nonmagnetic metal
having a body-centered cubic structure.
11. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 7, wherein the bias underlayers comprise a nonmagnetic metal
having a body-centered cubic structure.
12. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 8, wherein the bias underlayers comprise a nonmagnetic metal
having a body-centered cubic structure.
13. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 9, wherein the bias underlayers comprise chromium.
14. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 10, wherein the bias underlayers comprise chromium.
15. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 11, wherein the bias underlayers comprise chromium.
16. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 12, wherein the bias underlayers comprise chromium.
17. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 1, wherein the hard bias layers form slope angles along two
side portions of the composite, wherein the slope angles are
greater than or equal to about 30 degrees.
18. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 2, wherein the hard bias layers form slope angles along two
side portions of the composite, wherein the slope angles are
greater than or equal to about 30 degrees.
19. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element comprising: a
composite comprising an antiferromagnetic layer, a pinned magnetic
layer having a first magnetization vector being pinned by an
exchange anisotropic magnetic field with the antiferromagnetic
layer, a nonmagnetic conductive layer formed between the pinned
magnetic layer and a free magnetic layer, the free magnetic layer
having a second magnetization vector; hard bias layers formed at
two sides of the composite, wherein the hard bias layers orient the
second magnetization vector of the free magnetic layer in a
direction substantially orthogonal to the first magnetization
vector of the pinned magnetic layer; a conductive layer to supply a
sense current to the free magnetic layer, the nonmagnetic
conductive layer, and the pinned magnetic layer; and bias
underlayers each provided under each of the hard bias layers,
wherein each bias underlayer has a portion extending to the
interface between the free magnetic layer and each of the hard bias
layers, wherein the portion controls the crystal orientation of the
hard bias layers, wherein the thickness of each of the hard bias
underlayers is smaller at the interface between the free magnetic
layer and each of the hard bias layers than under the hard bias
layers.
20. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 19, wherein the magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element
is of a dual type in which the nonmagnetic conductive layer, the
pinned magnetic layer, and the antiferromagnetic layer are provided
on each of opposite sides in the thickness direction of the free
magnetic layer.
21. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 19, the composite further comprising at least one nonmagnetic
interlayer which separates at least one of the pinned magnetic
layer and the free magnetic layer into two sublayers, wherein the
two sublayers are in a ferri-magnetic state in which magnetization
vectors of the two sublayers are antiparallel to each other.
22. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 20, the composite further comprising at least one nonmagnetic
interlayer which separates at least one of the pinned magnetic
layer and the free magnetic layer into two sublayers, wherein the
two sublayers are in a ferri-magnetic state in which magnetization
vectors of the two sublayers are antiparallel to each other.
23. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 19, wherein the thickness of the portion of each of the bias
underlayers extending to the interface between the free magnetic
layer and each of the hard bias layers is less than or equal to
about 1 nm.
24. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 20, wherein the thickness of each of the bias underlayers is
less than or equal to about 1 nm at the interface between the free
magnetic layer and each of the hard bias layers.
25. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 19, wherein the bias underlayers comprise a nonmagnetic metal
having a body-centered cubic structure.
26. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 20, wherein the bias underlayers comprise a nonmagnetic metal
having a body-centered cubic structure.
27. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 23, wherein the bias underlayers comprise a nonmagnetic metal
having a body-centered cubic structure.
28. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 24, wherein the bias underlayers comprise a nonmagnetic metal
having a body-centered cubic structure.
29. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 25, wherein the bias underlayers comprise of chromium.
30. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 26, wherein the bias underlayers comprise of chromium.
31. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 27, wherein the bias underlayers comprise of chromium.
32. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 28, wherein the bias underlayers comprise of chromium.
33. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 19, wherein the hard bias layers form slope angles along two
side portions of the composite, wherein the slope angles are
greater than or equal to about 30 degrees.
34. A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
claim 20, wherein the hard bias layers form slope angles along two
side portions of the composite, wherein the slope angles are
greater than or equal to 30 degrees.
35. A method for making a magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic
element comprising: forming a composite layer on a substrate, the
composite layer comprising an antiferromagnetic layer, a pinned
magnetic layer in contact with the antiferromagnetic layer, a
nonmagnetic conductive layer, and a free magnetic layer, wherein a
magnetization vector of the pinned magnetic layer is pinned by an
exchange coupling magnetic field with the antiferromagnetic layer;
applying a lift-off resist on the composite layer; removing the
area not covered by the lift-off resist by an ion milling to form a
substantially trapezoidal composite; forming bias underlayers to
control the crystal orientation of hard bias layers at the two
sides of the composite; arranging a first target to one of oppose
the substrate to be parallel to each other and oppose the substrate
so that the angle defined by the first target and the substrate is
smaller than the angle defined by a second target and the substrate
during formation of the hard bias layers; forming the hard bias
layers on the bias underlayers, wherein the hard bias layers orient
the magnetization vector of the free magnetic layer in the
direction substantially orthogonal to the pinned magnetic layer;
arranging the second target to oppose the substrate so that the
angle defined by the second target and the substrate is larger than
the angle defined by the first target and the substrate; and
forming conductive layers on the hard bias layers; arranging a
third target to oppose the substrate so that the angle defined by
the third target and the substrate is larger than the angle defined
by the second target and the substrate.
36. A method for making a magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic
element according to claim 35, wherein forming the bias underlayers
comprises at least one of an ion beam sputtering process, a
long-throw sputtering process, and a collimation sputtering
process.
37. A method for making a magnetoresistive thin film magnetic
element according to claim 35, wherein forming the hard bias layers
comprises at least one of an ion beam sputtering process, a
long-throw sputtering process, and a collimation sputtering
process.
38. A method for making a magnetoresistive thin film magnetic
element according to claim 35 wherein forming conductive layers
comprises at least one of an ion beam sputtering process, a
long-throw sputtering process, and a collimation sputtering
process.
39. A method for making a magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic
element according to claim 35, further comprising: optimizing the
angle defined by the first target and the substrate so as to form
the bias underlayers on the substrate at the two sides of the
composite and on parts of the side surfaces at the two sides of the
free magnetic layer; and forming the hard bias layers so that end
portions of the hard bias layers and side portions of the free
magnetic layer of the composite contact each other at least
partly.
40. A method for making a magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic
element according to claim 35, further comprising: optimizing the
angle defined by the first target and the substrate so as to form
the bias underlayers on the substrate at the two sides of the
composite and on the side surfaces of the free magnetic layer, and
forming the hard bias layers at the interfaces between the two
sides of the free magnetic layer of the composite and the end
portions of the hard bias layers.
41. A method for making a magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic
element according to claim 35, further comprising forming slope
angles along side portions of the composite, wherein the slope
angles are greater than or equal to 30 degrees.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a magnetoresistive
thin-film magnetic element that undergoes a change in electrical
resistance in relation to the magnetization vector of a pinned
magnetic layer and the magnetization vector of a free magnetic
layer affected by an external magnetic field, and to a method for
making the same. The present invention also relates to a thin-film
magnetic head equipped with the magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic
element.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an exemplary conventional
thin-film magnetic head.
[0005] This thin-film magnetic head is a floating thin-film
magnetic head used with a magnetic recording medium such as a hard
disk device. A slider 251 of the thin-film magnetic head has a
reading side 235 and a trailing side 236. Longitudinal air bearing
surfaces (ABS) 251a and 251b and air grooves 251c are formed on the
surface of the slider 251 facing the disk.
[0006] A magnetic core unit 250 is provided on an end face 251d of
the slider 251.
[0007] The magnetic core unit 250 of this thin-film magnetic head
is a composite-type thin-film magnetic head having the structure
shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, and is formed by successively depositing
an MR (read head) h1 and an inductive head (write head) h2 on the
trailing end face 251d of the slider 251.
[0008] The magnetoresistive head h1 comprises a lower shield layer
253 which is formed on the trailing side portion of the slider 251
and is composed of a magnetic alloy, a lower gap layer 254 formed
on the lower shield layer 253, a magnetoresistive thin-film
magnetic element layer 245 formed on the lower gap layer 254, an
upper gap layer 256 formed on the magnetoresistive thin-film
magnetic element layer 245, and an upper shield layer 257 formed on
the upper gap layer 256. The upper shield layer 257 also serves as
a lower core layer of the inductive head h2 formed thereon.
[0009] The MR head reads the information stored in the recording
medium by detecting a change in resistance at the magnetoresistive
thin-film magnetic element layer 245 occurred in response to a weak
leakage magnetic field from the magnetic recording medium such as a
disk in a hard disk device.
[0010] The inductive head h2 includes a lower core layer 257, a gap
layer 264 formed on the lower core layer 257, and a coil layer 266
patterned in a spiral. The coil layer 266 is surrounded by a first
insulation layer 267A and a second insulation layer 267B. An upper
core layer 268 is formed on the second insulation layer 267B. At
the air bearing surface 251b, a magnetic pole end portion 268a of
the upper core layer 268 is arranged to face the lower core layer
257 with a magnetic gap G therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 25 and
26, a base end portion 268b of the upper core layer 268 is
magnetically connected to the lower core layer 257.
[0011] A protective layer 269 composed of alumina or the like is
provided on the upper core layer 268.
[0012] In this inductive head h2, a recording current flows to the
coil layer 266 and from the coil layer 266 to the core layers. The
inductive head h2 writes magnetic signals onto a magnetic recording
medium such as a hard disk by using a leakage magnetic field
provided from the end portions of the lower core layer 257 and
upper core layer 268 at the magnetic gap G.
[0013] A giant magnetoresistive element (GMR element) or the like
is provided in the magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element
layer 245. The GMR element has a multi-layer structure using a
combination of several different materials. Among structures which
generate giant magnetoresistive effects, a spin-valve type which is
relatively simple in structure while achieving a high rate of
change in resistance, is known in the art. There are a single
spin-valve type and dual spin-valve type in the spin-valve
type.
[0014] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a principal portion of
an exemplary thin-film magnetic head MR2 equipped with a
conventional spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, viewed from the
side facing a recording medium.
[0015] The spin-valve thin-film magnetic element MR2 is a
bottom-type single spin-valve thin-film magnetic element comprising
an antiferromagnetic layer 122, a pinned magnetic layer 153, a
nonmagnetic conductive layer 124, and a free magnetic layer 165,
deposited in that order from the bottom.
[0016] In FIG. 27, a composite all has a substantially trapezoidal
shape and includes an underlayer 121 comprising Ta or the like, the
antiferromagnetic layer 122 composed of a PtMn alloy formed on the
underlayer 121, the pinned magnetic layer 153 formed on the
antiferromagnetic layer 122, the nonmagnetic conductive layer 124
formed on the pinned magnetic layer 153, the free magnetic layer
165 formed on the nonmagnetic conductive layer 124, and a
protective layer 127 formed on the free magnetic layer 165. The
antiferromagnetic layer 122 extends to the region corresponding to
the two lateral portions of the pinned magnetic layer 153, the
nonmagnetic conductive layer 124, and the free magnetic layer
165.
[0017] The pinned magnetic layer 153 is composed of a nonmagnetic
interlayer 154, a first pinned magnetic sublayer 155, and a second
pinned magnetic sublayer 156, the latter two sandwiching the
nonmagnetic interlayer 154. The first pinned magnetic sublayer 155
is provided at the position closer to the antiferromagnetic layer
122 than is the nonmagnetic interlayer 154, and the second pinned
magnetic sublayer 156 is provided at the position closer to the
nonmagnetic conductive layer 124 than is the nonmagnetic interlayer
154.
[0018] The first pinned magnetic sublayer 155 and the second pinned
magnetic sublayer 156 comprise elemental Co, a CoFe alloy, a NiFe
alloy, or the like. The nonmagnetic interlayer 154 comprise a
nonmagnetic material such as Ru.
[0019] Preferably, the thickness of the first pinned magnetic
sublayer 155 and the thickness of the second pinned magnetic
sublayer 156 are different from each other. In FIG. 27, the
thickness of the second pinned magnetic sublayer 156 is greater
than the thickness of the first pinned magnetic sublayer 155.
[0020] An exchange coupling magnetic field (exchange anisotropic
magnetic field) is generated at the interface between the first
pinned magnetic sublayer 155 and the antiferromagnetic layer 122.
The magnetization vector of the first pinned magnetic sublayer 155
is pinned in the direction opposite to the Y direction in the
drawing by the exchange coupling magnetic field with the
antiferromagnetic layer 122. The second pinned magnetic sublayer
156 antiferromagnetically couples with the first pinned magnetic
sublayer 155 so as to pin the magnetization vector of the second
pinned magnetic sublayer 156 in the Y direction.
[0021] Since the magnetization vectors of the first pinned magnetic
sublayer 155 and the second pinned magnetic sublayer 156 are
antiparallel to each other, magnetic moments of the first pinned
magnetic sublayer 155 and the second pinned magnetic sublayer 156
cancel out. However, because the thickness of the second pinned
magnetic sublayer 156 is greater than the thickness of the first
pinned magnetic sublayer 155, the spontaneous magnetization of the
second pinned magnetic sublayer 156 slightly remains thereby
putting the pinned magnetic layer 153 in a ferri-magnetic state.
Moreover, the slight spontaneous magnetization further intensifies
the exchange coupling magnetic field with the antiferromagnetic
layer 122, pinning the magnetization vector of the pinned magnetic
layer 153 in the Y direction in the drawing.
[0022] The free magnetic layer 165 includes an antiferromagnetic
layer 166 comprising a ferromagnetic material such as a NiFe alloy
and an anti-diffusion layer 167 composed of a ferromagnetic
material such as Co. The anti-diffusion layer 167 is provided on
the nonmagnetic conductive layer 124.
[0023] Hard bias layers 126 comprising a Co--Pt-type alloy, i.e.,
permanent magnetic layers, are provided at two sides of the free
magnetic layer 165 and on the extended portions of the
antiferromagnetic layer 122. Bias underlayers 175 comprising Cr are
provided to separate the hard bias layers 126 and the
antiferromagnetic layer 122. Each of the bias underlayers 175 is
provided under each of the hard bias layers 126 and between the
composite MR2 and the hard bias layers 126 at the two sides
thereof.
[0024] Conductive layers 128 comprising Cr, Ta, Au, or the like are
deposited on the hard bias layers 126 so as to supply a detection
current to the free magnetic layer 165, the nonmagnetic conductive
layer 124, and the pinned magnetic layer 153.
[0025] The hard bias layers 126 prevent Barkhausen noise generated
when a plurality of magnetic domains are formed in the free
magnetic layer 165 and put the free magnetic layer 165 in a
single-magnetic-domain state. When the hard bias layers 126 are
magnetized in the X1 direction in the drawing, a leakage magnetic
field from each of the hard bias layers 126 orients the
magnetization vector of the free magnetic layer 165 in the X1
direction in the drawing. Accordingly, the variable magnetization
vector of the free magnetic layer 165 and the pinned magnetization
vector of the pinned magnetic layer 153 are set to be substantially
orthogonal to each other.
[0026] By forming the bias underlayers 175, the axis of magnetic
induction of the Co--Pt--type alloy constituting the hard bias
layers 126 is oriented in the planar direction, thereby improving
the characteristics such as coercive force, remanence ratio, and
the like, of the hard bias layers 126 as the permanent magnetic
layers. Thus, significantly large bias magnetic field can be
generated, thereby putting the free magnetic layer into a
single-magnetic-domain state and inhibiting generation of
Barkhausen noise.
[0027] In this spin-valve thin-film magnetic element MR2, a
detection current (sense current) is supplied from the conductive
layers 128 to the free magnetic layer 165, the nonmagnetic
conductive layer 124, and the pinned magnetic layer 153. The
recording medium such as a hard disk moves in the Z direction in
the drawing. When there is a leakage magnetic field from the
magnetic recording medium, the magnetization vector of the free
magnetic layer 165 changes from the Y direction to the X1 direction
in the drawing. At this time, spin-dependent scattering of
conduction electrons occurs at the interface between the
nonmagnetic conductive layer 124 and the free magnetic layer 165
and at the interface between the nonmagnetic conductive layer 124
and the second pinned magnetic sublayer 156, causing a change in
electrical resistance. Accordingly, the leakage magnetic field from
the recording medium is detected as the change in electrical
resistance.
[0028] Moreover, although the magnetic moments of the
antiferromagnetically coupled first and second pinned magnetic
layers 155 and 156 do cancel out each other, the spontaneous
magnetization of the second pinned magnetic sublayer 156 remains
slightly because the thickness of the second pinned magnetic
sublayer 156 is greater than the thickness of the first pinned
magnetic sublayer 155, putting the pinned magnetic layer 153 in a
ferri-magnetic state. The spontaneous magnetization further
intensify the exchange coupling magnetic field with the
antiferromagnetic layer 122, pinning the magnetization vector of
the pinned magnetic layer 153 in the Y direction in the drawing. As
a consequence, the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element MR2 enjoys
a stable performance.
[0029] In the conventional spin-valve thin-film magnetic element
MR2, because the bias underlayers 175 are provided between the free
magnetic layer 165 and the hard bias layers 126 arranged at the two
sides of the free magnetic layer 165, the free magnetic layer 165
and the hard bias layers 126 are not magnetically and directly
connected. Thus, the only magnetic field applied to the free
magnetic layer 165 is that of the magnetostatic interaction, i.e.,
the effective magnetic field applied from the hard bias layers 126
(static magnetic field). This magnetic field alone controls the
magnetic domain of the free magnetic layer 165 and puts the free
magnetic layer 165 into a single-magnetic-domain state.
[0030] Demagnetizing fields B in the two end portion of in the
track width Tw direction of the free magnetic layer 165 applies, to
the two side portions of the free magnetic layer 165, a magnetic
field opposite to a desired direction. This leads to a so-called
"buckling phenomenon" in which the magnetization vectors at the two
side portions of the free magnetic layer 165 become disordered and
discontinuous developing domain walls therein. The demagnetizing
field B is a magnetic field acting in the opposite direction of the
magnetization vector of the free magnetic layer 165 due to the
magnetic charges accumulated in the two side portions of the free
magnetic layer 165.
[0031] In recent years, demand for higher recording density has led
to a narrower track width in the magnetoresistive head h1. As the
track width becomes narrower, the demagnetizing field in the two
side portions of the free magnetic layer 165 intensifies,
undesirably promoting the buckling phenomenon and degrading the
magnetic domain controllability in the free magnetic layer 165. As
a consequence, a output waveform become erroneous at the two side
portions of the track width Tw and there is a problem of increased
instability in the output waveform.
[0032] One way to minimize the buckling phenomenon is to increase
the thickness of the hard bias layers so as to intensify the
magnetic field (bias magnetic field) for saturating the free
magnetic layer 165, thereby removing the influence of magnetic
charges accumulated in the two side portions of the free magnetic
layer 165. In this way, however, the read output at the center
portion of the composite all tends to be high and the read output
at the side portions of the composite tends to be low. In this
respect, when the thickness of the hard bias layers are increased,
the regions located at the side portions with low read output
become larger, degrading the overall read output. This problem
becomes more salient as the track becomes narrower.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0033] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element having high
output waveform stability in the two ends of the track width. In
the magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element, a bias magnetic
field from the hard bias layers is not undesirably high, thereby
improving the read output. The bias magnetic field may be
effectively applied to the free magnetic layer from the hard bias
layers, and disorder of the magnetization vectors at the two side
portions of the free magnetic layer due to a demagnetizing field
occurred in the two side portions of the free magnetic layer may be
prevented. The magnetic domains of the free magnetic layer may be
satisfactorily controlled. Another object of the present invention
is to provide a method for making the magnetoresistive thin-film
magnetic element having the above-described advantages.
[0034] Yet another object of the invention is to provide thin-film
magnetic head equipped with the magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic
element having the above-described advantages.
[0035] To these ends, a magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element
according to a first aspect of the invention includes a composite
having an antiferromagnetic layer, a pinned magnetic layer, the
magnetization vector thereof being pinned by an exchange
anisotropic magnetic field with the antiferromagnetic layer, a
nonmagnetic conductive layer formed between the pinned magnetic
layer and a free magnetic layer; hard bias layers, formed on two
sides of the free magnetic layer so that at least part of each of
the hard bias layers is in direct contact with the free magnetic
layer, for orienting the magnetization vector of the free magnetic
layer in a direction substantially orthogonal to the magnetization
vector of the pinned magnetic layer; a conductive layer for
supplying a sense current to the free magnetic layer, the
nonmagnetic conductive layer, and the pinned magnetic layer; and
bias underlayers each being provided under each of the hard bias
layers, for controlling crystal orientation of the hard bias
layers.
[0036] In this magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element, the
hard bias layers and the free magnetic layers are in contact with
each other at least partly. Thus, the free magnetic layer and the
hard bias layers at the two sides thereof may be magnetically
coupled by an exchange coupling (exchange interaction), inhibiting
the generation of a demagnetizing field at the two side portions of
the free magnetic layer. As a consequence, a strong bias magnetic
field may be applied to the free magnetic layer from the hard bias
layers, and the disorder of the magnetic vectors at the two side
portions due to the demagnetizing field may be prevented
(prevention of a buckling phenomenon). The magnetic domains of the
free magnetic layer may be satisfactorily controlled, improving the
stability of the output waveform at the two ends of the track
width.
[0037] An exchange interaction between the free magnetic layer and
the hard bias layers at the two sides thereof acts between the
spinning magnetic atoms and is a significantly strong interaction
which orients the magnetization vectors in parallel to each other.
This strong interaction effectively removes the magnetic charges
accumulated in the two side portions of the free magnetic layer 21,
thereby inhibiting the generation of the demagnetizing field at the
two side portions of the free magnetic layer. Moreover, since the
bias underlayers for controlling the crystal orientation of the
hard bias layers are formed at the bottom of the hard bias layers,
the crystal orientation of the hard bias layers is satisfactory,
the coercive force and the remanence ratio being sufficiently
large. Thus, the intensity of the bias magnetic field required for
putting the free magnetic layer 21 in a single-domain state may be
sufficiently increased and generation of Barkhausen noise may be
prevented.
[0038] Furthermore, since no demagnetizing field occurs in the two
side portions of the free magnetic layer, the buckling phenomenon
may be inhibited even when the track width of the read head
equipped with the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element may be made
narrower. Thus, the output waveform at the two ends of the track
width Tw may be prevented from becoming erroneous by the buckling
phenomenon which would otherwise occur, and the instability of the
overall read head may be reduced.
[0039] Also, even when the product of the remanence and the
thickness of the hard bias layers is reduced to a certain extent,
the above-described exchange interaction prevents the demagnetizing
field from occurring in the two side portions of the free magnetic
layer. The bias magnetic field from each hard bias layer may be
effectively applied to the free magnetic layer, thereby securing
the stability of the output waveform at the two ends of the track
width Tw. In this respect, for example, the thickness of the hard
bias layer may be decreased so as to decrease the exchange bias
magnetic field. The region at the side portions of the composite,
that is, the region with a lower read output, may be minimized so
as to enlarge the region at the center portion having high read
output, thereby improving the read output.
[0040] Preferably, the above-described magnetoresistive thin-film
magnetic element according to the first aspect of the invention is
of a dual type in which the nonmagnetic conductive layer, the
pinned magnetic layer, and the antiferromagnetic layer are provided
on each of two sides in the thickness direction of the free
magnetic layer.
[0041] This magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element has two
sets of the free magnetic layer, the nonmagnetic conductive layer,
and the pinned magnetic layer. Compared to the magnetoresistive
thin-film magnetic element having only one set of these, a
relatively high rate in change of resistance AR/R may be obtained,
meeting the demand for high recording density.
[0042] Preferably, the composite further includes a nonmagnetic
interlayer which separates at least one of the pinned magnetic
layer and the free magnetic layer into two sublayers, wherein the
two divided sublayers are in a ferri-magnetic state in which
magnetization vectors of the two divided sublayers are antiparallel
to each other.
[0043] When the pinned magnetic layer is divided into two sublayers
by a nonmagnetic interlayer, one of the two sublayers pins the
magnetic vector of the pinned magnetic layer in a predetermined
direction and maintains the pinned magnetic layer in a stable
state.
[0044] When the free magnetic layer is divided into two sublayers
by a nonmagnetic interlayer, an exchange coupling magnetic field is
generated between the divided sublayers to be in a ferri-magnetic
state. As a result, the magnetic thickness may be decreased, and
the free magnetic layer rotates in an external field with high
sensitivity.
[0045] In the magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according
to one aspect, the bias underlayers may extend to the interfaces
between the free magnetic layer and the hard bias layers provided
at the two sides of the free magnetic layer.
[0046] In this magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element, the
hard bias layers and the free magnetic layers are in contact with
each other at least partly even when the bias underlayers extend to
the interfaces between the free magnetic layer and the hard bias
layers at the two sides thereof. The free magnetic layer and the
hard bias layer are magnetically coupled due to an exchange
interaction, effectively removing the cause of a demagnetizing
field, i.e., the magnetic charges accumulated at the two side
portions of the free magnetic layer. Although the efficiency of the
bias magnetic field applied from the hard bias layers to the free
magnetic layer is decreased compared to the spin-valve thin-film
magnetic element having the bias underlayers without portions
extending to the interfaces between the free magnetic layer and the
hard bias layers, a strong bias magnetic field may still be
suitably applied from the hard bias layers to the free magnetic
layer. Thus, the magnetization vectors in the two side portions of
the free magnetic layer may be prevented from being disordered due
to the demagnetizing field which would otherwise be generated at
the two side portions of the free magnetic layer. The magnetic
domains of the free magnetic layer may be suitably controlled and
the stability of the read waveform at the two sides of the track
width Tw may be improved.
[0047] Preferably, in this spin-valve thin-film magnetic element,
the thickness of the extensions of the bias underlayers is
preferably about 1 nm or less, and more preferably, about 0.5 nm or
less.
[0048] When the thickness of the extensions is about 1 nm or less,
pinholes are readily formed in the bias under layer. The free
magnetic layer and the hard bias layers are magnetically coupled
through these pinholes in the extensions of the bias underlayers.
Accordingly, not only part of the free magnetic layer and the hard
bias layers directly in contact with each other but also part of
the free magnetic layer and the portion hard bias layers separated
by the extensions of the bias underlayers are magnetically coupled.
Moreover, since the region having the exchange interaction is
enlarged, the magnetic charges accumulated in the two side portions
of the free magnetic layer are effectively removed by the
above-described exchange interaction, thereby inhibiting the
demagnetizing field in the two side portions of the free magnetic
layer. Thus, a strong bias magnetic field may be applied from each
of the hard bias layers to the free magnetic layer, inhibiting the
magnetization vectors in the two side portions of the free magnetic
layer from being disordered due to the demagnetizing field which
would otherwise occur at the two side portions of the free magnetic
layer. As a result, the magnetic domains of the free magnetic layer
may be further satisfactorily controlled and the stability of the
read waveform at the two ends of the track width Tw can be further
improved.
[0049] Preferably, the bias underlayers include a nonmagnetic metal
having a body-centered cubic structure, and the hard bias layers
are made of Cr. When the hard bias layers are composed of a
Co--Pt-type alloy or a Co--Pt--Cr-type alloy, the crystal structure
of the hard bias layers includes both the face-centered cubic
structure (fcc) and the close-packed hexagonal structure (hcp). In
this case, when the bias underlayers are composed of Cr having a
body-centered cubic structure (bcc) and a (100) crystal
orientation, the Co--Pt alloy or the Co--Pt--Cr alloy barely forms
an fcc structure but readily forms a hcp structure because the
lattice constants of the Cr layer and lattice constants of the
Co--Pt alloy or the Co--Pt--Cr alloy are very close. The c axis
(magnetization easy axis) of the hcp structure at this time is
preferentially oriented in the planar direction of the interface
between the Cr layer and one of the Co--Pt alloy layer and the
Co--Pt--Cr alloy layer. Since an increased magnetic anisotropy is
generated in the c axis of the hcp structure compared to the fcc
structure, a larger coercive force (Hc) is generated when a
magnetic field is applied to the hard bias layers. Furthermore,
because the c axis of the hcp structure is preferentially oriented
in the planar direction of the interface between the Cr layer and
one of the Co--Pt alloy layer and the Co--Pt--Cr alloy layer, a
remanence (Br) is increased and a remanence ratio (remanence
(Br)/saturation flux density (Bs)) is also increased. As a result,
the characteristics of the hard bias layers as the permanent
magnetic layers are improved, intensifying the bias magnetic field
generated from each of the hard bias layers, thereby readily
aligning the free magnetic layer 21 into a single-magnetic-domain
state.
[0050] Preferably the nonmagnetic metal having the body-centered
cubic structure includes at least one metal selected from the group
consisting of Cr, Ti, Mo and W.sub.50MO.sub.50.
[0051] Preferably, slope angles at the side portions of the
composite sandwiched by the hard bias layers are about 30 degrees
or more to reduce the Barkhausen jump (BHJ) to about 15% or less.
More preferably, the slope angles are about 45 degrees or more to
reduce the BHJ to about 10% or less. Most preferably, the slope
angles are about 60 degrees or more to reduce the BHJ to about 5%
or less.
[0052] When the slope angle .theta. is less than about 30 degrees,
the end portion of the hard bias layer facing the composite becomes
angular. As a consequence, the thickness of the end portion
decreases while enlarging the end portions not provided with the
bias underlayers at the bottom. In other words, the end portions
having disordered crystal orientations are increased. The volume of
the each portion having a reduced coercive force increases, thereby
changing the magnetization state of the hard bias layer, and the
bias magnetic field becomes disordered, thereby increasing
Barkhausen jump (BHJ). It is then impossible to stably provide a
sufficient bias magnetic field to the free magnetic layer,
resulting in increased Barkhausen noise.
[0053] A magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element according to
another aspect includes a composite having an antiferromagnetic
layer, a pinned magnetic layer the magnetization vector thereof
being pinned by an exchange anisotropic magnetic field with the
antiferromagnetic layer, a nonmagnetic conductive layer formed
between the pinned magnetic layer and a free magnetic layer; hard
bias layers formed at two sides of the composite, for orienting the
magnetization vector of the free magnetic layer in a direction
substantially orthogonal to the magnetization vector of the pinned
magnetic layer; a conductive layer for supplying a sense current to
the free magnetic layer, the nonmagnetic conductive layer, and the
pinned magnetic layer; and bias underlayers each being provided
under each of the hard bias layers and extends to the interface
between the free magnetic layer and each of the hard bias layers,
for controlling crystal orientation of the hard bias layers, in
which the thickness of each of the hard bias underlayers is smaller
at the interface between the free magnetic layer and each of the
hard bias layers than under the hard bias layers.
[0054] Because the thickness of the hard bias layers is smaller at
the interface between the free magnetic layer and each of the hard
bias layers than under the hard bias layers, pin holes are formed
in the portions of the bias underlayers sandwiched by the free
magnetic layer and the hard bias layers. The free magnetic layer
and the hard bias layer are magnetically coupled through these
pinholes due to an exchange interaction, effectively removing the
cause of a demagnetizing field, i.e., the magnetic charges
accumulated at the two side portions of the free magnetic layer. A
strong bias magnetic field can be suitably applied from the hard
bias layers to the free magnetic layer, and the magnetization
vectors in the two side portions of the free magnetic layer are
prevented from being disordered due to the demagnetizing field
which would otherwise be generated at the two side portions of the
free magnetic layer. The magnetic domains of the free magnetic
layer may be suitably controlled and the stability of the read
waveform at the two sides of the track width Tw may be
improved.
[0055] Preferably, the magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element
according to the second aspect of the invention is of a dual type
in which the non magnetic conductive layer, the pinned magnetic
layer, and the antiferromagnetic layer are provided on each of two
sides in the thickness direction of the free magnetic layer.
[0056] This magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element has two
sets of the free magnetic layer, the nonmagnetic conductive layer,
and the pinned magnetic layer. Compared to the magnetoresistive
thin-film magnetic element having only one set of these, a
relatively high rate in change of resistance .DELTA.R/R may be
obtained, meeting the demand for high recording density.
[0057] Preferably, the composite further includes a nonmagnetic
interlayer which separates at least one of the pinned magnetic
layer and the free magnetic layer into two sublayers, wherein the
two divided sublayers are in a ferri-magnetic state in which
magnetization vectors of the two divided sublayers are antiparallel
to each other.
[0058] When the pinned magnetic layer is divided into two sublayers
by a nonmagnetic interlayer, one of the two sublayers pins the
magnetic vector of the pinned magnetic layer in a predetermined
direction and maintains the pinned magnetic layer in a stable
state.
[0059] When the free magnetic layer is divided into two sublayers
by a nonmagnetic interlayer, an exchange coupling magnetic field is
generated between the divided sublayers to be in a ferri-magnetic
state. As a result, the magnetic thickness is decreased, and the
free magnetic layer rotates in an external field with high
sensitivity.
[0060] Preferably, in this spin-valve thin-film magnetic element,
the thickness of the bias underlayers at the interfaces between the
free magnetic layer and the hard bias layers is preferably about 1
nm or less, and more preferably, about 0.5 nm or less.
[0061] When the thickness is about 1 nm or less, pinholes are
readily formed in the bias under layer. The free magnetic layer and
the hard bias layers are magnetically coupled through these
pinholes in the bias underlayers at the interfaces. Moreover the
magnetic charges accumulated in the two side portions of the free
magnetic layer are effectively removed by the above-described
exchange interaction, thereby inhibiting the demagnetizing field in
the two side portions of the free magnetic layer. Thus, a strong
bias magnetic field can be applied from each of the hard bias
layers to the free magnetic layer, inhibiting the magnetization
vectors in the two side portions of the free magnetic layer from
being disordered due to the demagnetizing field which would
otherwise occur at the two side portions of the free magnetic
layer. As a result, the magnetic domains of the free magnetic layer
can be further satisfactorily controlled and the stability of the
read waveform at the two ends of the track width Tw can be further
improved.
[0062] Preferably, the bias underlayers include a nonmagnetic metal
having a body-centered cubic structure, and the hard bias layers
are made of Cr for the reasons described above.
[0063] Slope angles of the side portions of the composite
sandwiched by the hard bias layers are preferably about 30 degrees
or more to reduce Barkhausen jump (BHJ) to about 15% or less. More
preferably, the slope angles are about 45 degrees or more to reduce
the BHJ to about 10% or less, and more preferably the slope angles
are about 60 degrees or more to reduce the BHJ to about 5% or
less.
[0064] A thin-film magnetic head equipped with the above described
magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element also provided. In the
thin-film magnetic head, the magnetic domains of the free magnetic
layer are satisfactorily controlled, Barkhausen noise is prevented,
and the stability of the output waveform at the two ends of the
track width is improved.
[0065] A method for making a magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic
element has the steps of: forming a composite layer on a substrate,
the composite layer formed of an antiferromagnetic layer, a pinned
magnetic layer in contact with the antiferromagnetic layer, a
nonmagnetic conductive layer, and a free magnetic layer, wherein
the magnetization vector of the pinned magnetic layer is pinned by
an exchange coupling magnetic field with the antiferromagnetic
layer; applying a lift-off resist on the composite layer; removing
the area not covered by the lift-off resist by an ion milling so as
to form a substantially trapezoidal composite; forming bias
underlayers for controlling the crystal orientation of hard bias
layers at the two sides of the composite by at least one process of
an ion beam sputtering process, a long-throw sputtering process,
and a collimation sputtering process while arranging a first target
to oppose the substrate to be parallel to each other or arranging
the first target to oppose the substrate so that the angle defined
by the first target and the substrate is smaller than the angle
defined by a second target and the substrate during the subsequent
step of forming the hard bias layers; forming, on the bias
underlayers, the hard bias layers for orienting the magnetization
vector of the free magnetic layer in the direction substantially
orthogonal to the pinned magnetic layer by at least one of an ion
beam sputtering process, a long-throw sputtering process, and a
collimation sputtering process while arranging the second target to
oppose the substrate so that the angle defined by the second target
and the substrate is larger than the angle defined by the first
target and the substrate during the preceding step of forming the
bias underlayers; and forming, on the hard bias layers, conductive
layers by at least one of an ion beam sputtering process, a
long-throw sputtering process, and a collimation sputtering process
while arranging a third target to oppose the substrate so that the
angle defined by the third target and the substrate is larger than
the angle defined by the second target and the substrate during the
preceding step of forming the hard bias layers.
[0066] This method may be suitable for making the magnetoresistive
thin-film magnetic element, having the bias underlayers provided at
the bottom of the hard bias layers, and the magnetoresistive
thin-film magnetic element, having the bias underlayers provided at
the bottom of the hard bias layers and extending to the interfaces
between the free magnetic layer and the hard bias layers.
[0067] Preferably, the step of forming the hard bias layers may
include optimizing the angle defined by the first target and the
substrate so as to form bias underlayers on the substrate at the
two sides of the composite and on parts of the side surfaces at the
two sides of the free magnetic layer. The hard bias layers are
formed so that end portions of the hard bias layers and side
portions of the free magnetic layer of the composite contact each
other at least partly.
[0068] Alternatively, the step of forming the hard bias layers may
include optimizing the angle defined by the first target and the
substrate so as to form bias underlayers on the substrate at the
two sides of the composite and on the side surfaces of the free
magnetic layer. The hard bias layers are formed at the interfaces
between the two sides of the free magnetic layer of the composite
and the end portions of the hard bias layers.
[0069] Preferably, during the step of forming the substantially
trapezoidal composite, the slope angles at the two side portions of
the composite are formed to be about 30 degrees or more for the
reasons described above.
[0070] Other systems, methods, feature, and advantages of the
invention will be or will become apparent to one skilled in the art
upon examination of the following section figures and detailed
description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and
advantages are intended to be included within this description,
within the scope of the invention, and protected by the
accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0071] The invention may be better understood with reference to the
following section figures and detailed description. The components
in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention.
[0072] FIG. 1 represents a cross-sectional view schematically
showing a first embodiment of spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element.
[0073] FIG. 2 represents a cross-sectional view of the spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the side
opposing a recording medium.
[0074] FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views for explaining the
relationship between a slope angle .theta. of a side portion of a
composite sandwiched by hard bias layers of a spin-valve thin-film
magnetic element.
[0075] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the forming
of a lift-off resist layer on the composite formed on a substrate,
according to a method for making the spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element shown in FIG. 1.
[0076] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the forming
of a trapezoidal composite in the method for making the spin valve
thin-film magnetic element shown in FIG. 1.
[0077] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the forming
of bias underlayers in the method for making the spin valve
thin-film magnetic element shown in FIG. 1.
[0078] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the forming
of hard bias layers in the method for making the spin valve
thin-film magnetic element shown in FIG. 1.
[0079] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the forming
of conductive layers in the method for making the spin valve
thin-film magnetic element shown in FIG. 1.
[0080] FIG. 9 represents a schematic cross-sectional view
illustrating a spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of a second
embodiment.
[0081] FIG. 10 represents a cross-sectional view illustrating the
spin-valve thin-film magnetic element shown in FIG. 9 viewed from
the face opposing a recording medium.
[0082] FIG. 11 represents a schematic cross-sectional view
illustrating a spin-valve thin-film magnetic element according to a
third embodiment.
[0083] FIG. 12 represents a cross-sectional view illustrating the
spin-valve thin-film magnetic element shown in FIG. 11 viewed from
the face opposing a recording medium.
[0084] FIG. 13 represents a schematic cross-sectional view of a
spin-valve thin-film magnetic element according to a fourth
embodiment.
[0085] FIG. 14 represents a cross-sectional view illustrating the
spin-valve thin-film magnetic element shown in FIG. 13 viewed from
the face opposing a recording medium.
[0086] FIG. 15 represents a cross-sectional view of a spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element according to a fifth embodiment viewed
from the face opposing a recording medium.
[0087] FIG. 16 represents a cross-sectional view of a spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element according to a sixth embodiment viewed
from the face opposing a recording medium.
[0088] FIG. 17 represents a cross-sectional view of the spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element shown in FIG. 16 viewed from the track
width direction.
[0089] FIG. 18 is a graph showing a QCT curve obtained while
applying a sense current and an alternating external magnetic field
to a read head equipped with a magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic
element.
[0090] FIG. 19 illustrates distribution of magnetic vectors in a
free magnetic layer of a spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of a
first example.
[0091] FIG. 20 illustrates distribution of magnetization vectors of
a free magnetic layer in a spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of
a comparative example.
[0092] FIG. 21 is a graph showing the QCT curve of the spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element of the first example.
[0093] FIG. 22 is a graph showing the QCT curve of the spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element of the comparative example.
[0094] FIG. 23 is a graph showing the dependency of Barkhausen jump
(BHJ) to slope angles at the side portions of a composite.
[0095] FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary
thin-film magnetic head.
[0096] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a magnetic core
unit of the thin-film magnetic head shown in FIG. 24.
[0097] FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating the thin-film
magnetic head shown in FIG. 25.
[0098] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a principal
portion of a conventional thin-film magnetic head equipped with a
conventional spin-valve thin-film magnetic element viewed from the
face opposing a recording medium.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0099] The preferred embodiments of the magnetoresistive thin-film
magnetic element of the present invention as applied to a
spin-valve thin-film magnetic element are described in detail with
reference to the drawings. Methods for making the same are also
described.
First Embodiment
[0100] FIG. 1 represents a cross-sectional view schematically
showing a first embodiment of a spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the side
opposing a recording medium.
[0101] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the first
embodiment, a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk moves
in the Z direction in the drawings, and the direction of a leakage
magnetic field from the magnetic recording medium is the Y
direction in the drawings.
[0102] The spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the first
embodiment is a top-type single spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element comprising a free magnetic layer, a nonmagnetic conductive
layer, a pinned magnetic layer, and an antiferromagnetic layer,
deposited in that order. The pinned magnetic layer is divided into
two sublayers by a nonmagnetic interlayer therebetween.
[0103] More particularly, the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is formed on a substrate (not shown) and
comprises, from the bottom to the top, an underlayer 10 composed of
a nonmagnetic material such as Ta, a NiFe sublayer 22, a Co
sublayer 23 (the NiFe sublayer 22 and the Co sublayer 23 constitute
a free magnetic layer 21), a nonmagnetic conductive layer 24, a
second pinned magnetic sublayer 25, a nonmagnetic interlayer 26, a
first pinned magnetic sublayer 27, an antiferromagnetic layer 28,
and a protective layer 29 composed of Ta or the like, deposited in
that order.
[0104] The first pinned magnetic sublayer 27 and the second pinned
magnetic sublayer 25 are, for example,-composed of elemental cobalt
(Co), a NiFe alloy, a CoNiFe alloy, a CoFe alloy, or the like.
[0105] Preferably, the antiferromagnetic layer 28 of the first
embodiment of the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element is composed
of a PtMn alloy. The PtMn alloy exhibits superior wear resistance,
has a high blocking temperature, and generates an increased
exchange coupling magnetic field (exchange anisotropic magnetic
field), compared to a NiMn alloy or an FeMn alloy conventionally
used as a material for the antiferromagnetic layer.
[0106] The PtMn alloy may be replaced with an X--Mn alloy or an
X'--Pt--Mn alloy, wherein X is one element selected from the group
consisting of Pd, Ru, Ir, Rh, and Os and X' is at least one element
selected from the group consisting of Pd, Ru, Ir, Rh, Os, Au, Ag,
Ne, Ar, Xe, and Kr.
[0107] Each of the arrows at the first pinned magnetic sublayer 27
and the second pinned magnetic sublayer 25 in FIG. 1 indicates the
magnitude and the direction of the magnetic moment of the
corresponding layer. The magnitude of the magnetic moment is
defined as a product of a saturation magnetization (Ms) and layer
thickness (t).
[0108] The first pinned magnetic sublayer 27 and the second pinned
magnetic sublayer 25 may be composed of the same material and the
thickness tP.sub.1 of the first pinned magnetic sublayer 27 is
larger than the thickness tP.sub.2 of the second pinned magnetic
sublayer 25. As a consequence, the magnetic moment of the first
pinned magnetic sublayer 27 is larger than the magnetic moment of
the second pinned magnetic sublayer 25.
[0109] Alternatively, the thickness tP.sub.2 of the second pinned
magnetic sublayer 25 may be greater than the thickness tP.sub.1 of
the first pinned magnetic sublayer 27 because, in the present
invention, it is preferred that the magnetic moment of the first
pinned magnetic sublayer 27 be different from the magnetic moment
of the second pinned magnetic sublayer 25.
[0110] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first pinned magnetic
sublayer 27 is magnetized in the Y direction in the drawing, i.e.,
the direction away from the recording medium (height direction).
The second pinned magnetic sublayer 25 opposing the first pinned
magnetic sublayer 27 with the nonmagnetic interlayer 26
therebetween is magnetized in antiparallel to the magnetization
vector of the first pinned magnetic sublayer 27 so as to be in a
ferri-magnetic state.
[0111] The first pinned magnetic sublayer 27 is formed to be in
contact with the antiferromagnetic layer 28 and is annealed
(thermally treated) in a magnetic field so as to generate an
exchange coupling magnetic field (exchange anisotropic magnetic
field) at the interface between the first pinned magnetic sublayer
27 and the antiferromagnetic layer 28. As a consequence, for
example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the magnetization vector of the
first pinned magnetic sublayer 27 is pinned in the Y direction in
the drawings and the magnetization vector of the second pinned
magnetic sublayer 25 is pinned in a direction opposite to the
magnetization vector of the first pinned magnetic sublayer 27.
[0112] In the first embodiment of the spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element, the larger the exchange coupling magnetic field, more
stable are the magnetization vectors of the first pinned magnetic
sublayer 27 and second pinned magnetic sublayer 25 maintained in
antiparallel to each other. Preferably, the antiferromagnetic layer
28 of the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element is composed of a
PtMn alloy. The PtMn alloy exhibits superior wear resistance, has a
high blocking temperature, and generates an increased exchange
coupling magnetic field (exchange anisotropic magnetic field),
compared to a NiFe alloy or an FeMn alloy conventionally used as a
material for the antiferromagnetic layer.
[0113] The PtMn alloy may be replaced with an X--Mn alloy or an
X'--Pt--Mn alloy, wherein X is one element selected from the group
consisting of Pd, Ru, Ir, Rh, and OS and X' is at least one element
selected from the group consisting of Pd, Ru, Ir, Rh, Os, Au, Ag,
Ne, Ar, Xe, and Kr.
[0114] The Pt content in the PtMn alloy and the X content in the
X--Mn alloy are in the range of preferably about 37 through about
63 atomic percent, and more preferably, in the range of about 47
through about 57 atomic percent.
[0115] The total content of X' and Pt in the X'--Pt--Mn alloy is in
the range of preferably about 37 through about 63 atomic percent
and more preferably in the range of about 47 through about 57
atomic percent. When X' contained in the X'--Pt--Mn alloy is at
least one element selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Ne,
Ar, Xe, and Kr, the X' content is preferably in the range of about
0.2 through about 10 atomic percent. When X' contained in the
X'--Pt--Mn alloy is at least one element selected from the group
consisting of Pd, Ru, Ir, Rh, and Os, the X' content is preferably
in the range of about 0.2 through about 40 atomic percent.
[0116] When one of the above alloys is annealed, the resulting
antiferromagnetic layer 28 may generate an increased exchange
coupling magnetic field. Especially when the PtMn alloy is used,
the resulting antiferromagnetic layer 28 exhibits a high exchange
coupling magnetic field exceeding about 64 kA/m and a significantly
high blocking temperature (the temperature at which the
antiferromagnetic layer 28 loses the exchange coupling magnetic
field) of about 653 K (about 380.degree. C.)
[0117] As described above, in this spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element, the exchange coupling magnetic field (Hex) may be
increased by optimizing the ratio of the thickness of the first
pinned magnetic sublayer 27 to the thickness of the second pinned
magnetic sublayer 25. Moreover, it is possible to maintain the
magnetization vectors of the first pinned magnetic sublayer 27 and
the second pinned magnetic sublayer 25 in a thermally-stable
antiparallel state (a ferri-magnetic state) and to obtain a
satisfactory rate of change in resistance .DELTA.R/R.
[0118] The nonmagnetic interlayer 26 placed between the first
pinned magnetic sublayer 27 and the second pinned magnetic sublayer
25 is preferably composed of at least one element selected from the
group consisting of Ru, Rh, Ir, Cr, Re, and Cu.
[0119] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the nonmagnetic conductive layer
24 composed of Cu or the like is formed on the free magnetic layer
21 and the second pinned magnetic sublayer 25 is formed on the
nonmagnetic conductive layer 24. The free magnetic layer 21
comprises two sublayers 23 and 24. The sublayer 23 in contact with
the nonmagnetic conductive layer 24 is composed of Co. The sublayer
22 is composed of a NiFe alloy, a CoFe alloy, a CoNiFe alloy, or
the like. The Co sublayer 23 in contact with the nonmagnetic
conductive layer 24 prevents diffusion of metallic elements or the
like at the interface with the nonmagnetic conductive layer 24 of
Cu so as to increase the rate of change in resistance
.DELTA.R/R.
[0120] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, hard bias layers 130 composed of
a Co--Pt alloy, a Co--Cr--Pt alloy, or the like are provided at the
two sides of the composite a3 comprising the underlayer 10 to the
protective layer 29. Conductive layers 131 composed of Cr, Ta, Au,
or the like, are formed on the hard bias layers 130. Because the
hard bias layers 130 are magnetized in the X1 direction in FIG. 1,
the free magnetic layer 21 is also magnetized in the X1 direction
in FIG. 1. Bias underlayers 6 for controlling the crystal
orientation of the hard bias layers are provided at the lower
surfaces of the hard bias layers 130.
[0121] The hard bias layers 130 are arranged so that at least part
of each of the hard bias layers 130 is positioned at the same level
as the free magnetic layer 21. The thickness of the hard bias
layers 130 is larger than the thickness of the free magnetic layer
21. Upper surfaces 130A of the hard bias layers 130 are positioned
at a level higher than the upper surface of the free magnetic layer
21. The lower surfaces of the hard bias layers 130 are positioned
at a level lower than the lower surface of the free magnetic layer
21. End portions 130C of the hard bias layer 130 are in direct
contact with side surfaces b3 of the composite a3 (end portions of
the free magnetic layer 21).
[0122] Contact points c3, where the upper surfaces 130A of the hard
bias layers 130 contact the side surfaces b3 of the composite a3,
are preferably positioned at a level lower than top ends d3 of the
side surfaces b3 and lower than the highest level of the hard bias
layers 130.
[0123] Preferably, the conductive layers 131 formed on the hard
bias layers 130 are in contact with the side surfaces b3 of the
composite a3.
[0124] The bias underlayers 6 are preferably composed of a
nonmagnetic metal having a body-centered cubic structure.
Preferably, at least one metal selected from the group consisting
of Cr, Ti, Mo and W.sub.50Mo.sub.50 is used as such a metal. More
preferably, the bias underlayers 6 are composed of chromium
(Cr).
[0125] When the hard bias layers 130 are composed of a Co--Pt-type
alloy or a Co--Pt--Cr-type alloy, the crystal structure of the hard
bias layers 130 includes both the face-centered cubic structure
(fcc) and the close-packed hexagonal structure (hcp). In this case,
when the bias underlayers 6 are composed of Cr having a
body-centered cubic structure (bcc) and a (100) crystal
orientation, the Co--Pt alloy or the Co--Pt--Cr alloy barely forms
an fcc structure but readily forms a hcp structure because the
lattice constants of the Cr layer and lattice constants of the
Co--Pt alloy or the Co--Pt--Cr alloy are very close. The c axis
(magnetization easy axis) of the hcp structure at this time is
preferentially oriented in the planar direction of the interface
between the Cr layer and one of the Co--Pt alloy layer and the
Co--Pt--Cr alloy layer. Since an increased magnetic anisotropy is
generated in the c axis of the hcp structure compared to the fcc
structure, a larger coercive force (Hc) is generated when a
magnetic field is applied to the hard bias layers 130. Furthermore,
because the c axis of the hcp structure is preferentially oriented
in the planar direction of the interface between the Cr layer and
one of the Co--Pt alloy layer and the Co--Pt--Cr alloy layer, a
remanence (Br) is increased and a remanence ratio (remanence
(Br)/saturation flux density (Bs)) is also increased. As a result,
the characteristics of the hard bias layers 130 as the permanent
magnetic layers are improved, intensifying the bias magnetic field
generated from each of the hard bias layers 130, thereby readily
aligning the free magnetic layer 21 into a single-magnetic-domain
state.
[0126] The slope angle .theta. of each side portion of the
composite a3 sandwiched by the hard bias layers 130 is about 30
degrees or more. In this manner, as shown in FIG. 3B, the thickness
of the end portion 130C of the hard bias layer 130 facing the
composite a3 may be increased. As the thickness of the end portion
130C increases, the end portions 130C without the bias underlayers
6 decreases. In other words, the end portions 130C having
disordered crystal orientations are decreased. As a consequence,
the volume of the each end portion 130C having a reduced coercive
force (the meshed portion in FIGS. 3A and 3B), is decreased as
shown in FIG. 3B, reducing Barkhausen jump (BHJ) to about 15% or
less. Preferably, the slope angle .theta. is about 45 degrees or
more to reduce the BHJ to about 10% or less and, more preferably,
the slope angle .theta. is about 60 degrees or more to reduce the
BHJ to about 5% or less.
[0127] When the slope angle .theta. is less than about 30 degrees,
the end portion 130C of the hard bias layer 130 facing the
composite a3 becomes angular, as shown in FIG. 3A. As a
consequence, the thickness of the end portion 130C decreases while
enlarging the end portion 130C not provided with the bias
underlayer 6 at the bottom. In other words, the end portions 130C
having disordered crystal orientations are increased. The volume of
the each portion 130C having a reduced coercive force (the meshed
portion in FIGS. 3A and 3B) increases, thereby changing the
magnetization state of the hard bias layer 130, and the bias
magnetic field becomes disordered, thereby increasing Barkhausen
jump (BHJ). It is then impossible to stably provide a sufficient
bias magnetic field to the free magnetic layer, resulting in
increased Barkhausen noise.
[0128] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element shown in FIGS.
1 and 2, a sense current flows from the conductive layers 131 to
the free magnetic layer 21, the nonmagnetic conductive layer 24,
and the second pinned magnetic sublayer 25. When a magnetic field
in the Y direction in FIGS. 1 and 2 is applied from a recording
medium, the magnetization vector of the free magnetic layer 21
changes from the X1 direction to the Y direction in the drawings.
Meanwhile, scattering of the spin-dependent conduction electrons,
which will cause a change in electrical resistance, occurs at the
interface between the free magnetic layer 21 and the nonmagnetic
conductive layer 24 and at the interface between the nonmagnetic
conductive layer 24 and the second pinned magnetic sublayer 25. The
leakage magnetic field from the recording medium is detected as
this change.
[0129] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the first
embodiment, because the end portions 130C of the hard bias layers
130 facing the composite a3 are in direct contact with the end
portions of the free magnetic layer 21, the free magnetic layer 21
and the hard bias layers 130 arranged at the two sides of the free
magnetic layer 21 are magnetically coupled due to the exchange
coupling (exchange interaction). As a consequence, generation of a
demagnetizing field at the end portions of the free magnetic layer
21 may be prevented, and a strong bias magnetic field may be
effectively applied to the free magnetic layer 21 from the hard
bias layers 130. It is also possible to prevent the magnetization
vectors in the two side portions of the free magnetic layer from
being disordered due to the demagnetizing field (prevention of the
buckling phenomenon). Moreover, the magnetic domains in the free
magnetic layer 21 can be suitably controlled, thereby improving the
stability of the output waveform at the two sides of the track
width Tw. The exchange interaction between the free magnetic layer
21 and the hard bias layers 130 acts between the spinning magnetic
atoms and is a significantly strong interaction which orients the
magnetization vectors in parallel to each other. This strong
interaction effectively removes the magnetic charges accumulated in
the two side portions of the free magnetic layer 21, thereby
inhibiting the generation of the demagnetizing field at the two
side portions of the free magnetic layer 21. Moreover, since the
bias underlayers 6 for controlling the crystal orientation of the
hard bias layers are formed at the bottom of the hard bias layers
130, the crystal orientation of the hard bias layers 130 is
satisfactory, the coercive force and the remanence ratio being
sufficiently large. Thus, the intensity of the bias magnetic field
required for putting the free magnetic layer 21 in a single-domain
state may be sufficiently increased and generation of Barkhausen
noise may be prevented.
[0130] Furthermore, since no demagnetizing field occurs in the two
side portions of the free magnetic layer 21, the buckling
phenomenon is inhibited even when the track width of the read head
equipped with the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element is made
narrower. Thus, the output waveform at the two ends of the track
width Tw is prevented from becoming erroneous by the buckling
phenomenon which would otherwise occur, and the instability of the
overall read head may be reduced.
[0131] Also, even when the product of the remanence and the
thickness of the hard bias layers 130 is reduced to a certain
extent, the above-described exchange interaction prevents the
demagnetizing field from occurring in the two side portions of the
free magnetic layer 21, and the bias magnetic field from each hard
bias layer 130 can be effectively applied to the free magnetic
layer 21, thereby securing the stability of the output waveform at
the two-ends of the track width Tw. In this respect, for example,
the thickness of the hard bias layer 130 may be decreased so as to
decrease the exchange bias magnetic field, and the region at the
side portions of the composite a3, that is, the region with a lower
read output, may be reduced so as to enlarge the region at the
center portion exhibiting high read output, thereby improving the
read output.
[0132] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the first
embodiment, the bias underlayer is not provided between the free
magnetic layer 21 and the hard bias layers 130. In other words, the
end portions 130C of the hard bias layers 130 facing the composite
a3 are in direct contact with the two side portions of the free
magnetic layer 21. However, the end portions 130C of the hard bias
layers 130 and the end portions of the free magnetic layer 21 are
required to contact each other only partially. Thus, each of the
bias underlayers 6 may comprise an extension 6e extending to the
interface between the hard bias layer 130 to the free magnetic
layer 21, as shown by dashed lines in FIG. 2.
[0133] In this spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, because each
of the hard bias layers 130 is partially in contact with the free
magnetic layer 21, the free magnetic layer 21 and the hard bias
layers 130 are magnetically coupled due to the exchange interaction
even when each of the bias underlayers 6 extends to the interface
between the free magnetic layer 21 and the hard bias layer 130.
Consequently, the magnetic charges accumulated in the two side
portions of the free magnetic layer 21, which will be a cause of
the demagnetizing field, are effectively removed by the
above-described exchange interaction and generation of the
demagnetizing field at the two side portions of the free magnetic
layer 21 can be effectively inhibited. Although the efficiency of
the bias magnetic field applied from the hard bias layers 130 to
the free magnetic layer 21 is decreased compared to the spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element comprising the bias underlayers 6
without portions extending to the interfaces between the free
magnetic layer 21 and the hard bias layers 130, a strong bias
magnetic field may still be suitably applied from the hard bias
layers 130 to the free magnetic layer 21. Thus, the magnetization
vectors in the two side portions of the free magnetic layer may be
prevented from being disordered due to the demagnetizing field
which would otherwise be generated at the two side portions of the
free magnetic layer. The magnetic domains of the free magnetic
layer 21 may be suitably controlled and the stability of the read
waveform at the two sides of the track width Tw can be
improved.
[0134] In this spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, the thickness
of the extensions 6e of the bias underlayers 6 is preferably about
1 nm or less, and more preferably, about 0.5 nm or less.
[0135] When the thickness of the extensions 6e is about 1 nm or
less, pinholes are readily formed in the bias under layer 6. The
free magnetic layer 21 and the hard bias layers 130 are
magnetically coupled through these pinholes in the extensions 6e of
the bias underlayers 6. Accordingly, not only part of the free
magnetic layer 21 and the hard bias layers 130 directly in contact
with each other but also part of the free magnetic layer 21 and the
portion hard bias layers 130 separated by the extensions 6e of the
bias underlayers 6 are magnetically coupled. Moreover, since the
region in which the exchange interaction acts is enlarged, the
magnetic charges accumulated in the two side portions of the free
magnetic layer 21 are effectively removed by the above-described
exchange interaction, thereby inhibiting the demagnetizing field in
the two side portions of the free magnetic layer 21. Thus, a strong
bias magnetic field may be applied from each of the hard bias
layers 130 to the free magnetic layer 21, inhibiting the
magnetization vectors in the two side portions of the free magnetic
layer 21 from being disordered due to the demagnetizing field which
would otherwise occur at the two side portions of the free magnetic
layer. As a result, the magnetic domains of the free magnetic layer
21 may be further satisfactorily controlled and the stability of
the read waveform at the two ends of the track width Tw can be
further improved.
[0136] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the first
embodiment, the bias underlayer is not provided between the free
magnetic layer 21 and the hard bias layers 130 located at the two
sides of the free magnetic layer 21. In other words, the end
portions 130C of the hard bias layers 130 are in direct contact
with the composite a3. However, each of the bias underlayers 6 may
extend to the interfaces between the free magnetic layer 21 and the
hard bias layers 130. In this case, the thickness (in the track
width direction) of extensions 6f of the bias underlayers 6
provided between the free magnetic layer 21 and the hard bias
layers 130, is smaller than the thickness (in the height direction
of the composite a3) of bottom portions 6g at the bottom of the
hard bias layers 130.
[0137] In this spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, the
extensions 6f are thinner than the bottom portions 6g of the hard
bias layers. In this manner, pinholes are formed in the extension
6f of the bias underlayers 6 between the free magnetic layer 21 and
each of the hard bias layers 130, and the free magnetic layer 21
and the hard bias layers 130 arranged at the sides of the free
magnetic layer 21 are magnetically coupled through these pinholes
in the extensions 6f by the exchange interaction. The magnetic
charges accumulated in the two side portions of the free magnetic
layer are effectively removed by the exchange interaction,
inhibiting the generation of the demagnetizing field. The strong
bias magnetic field can be suitably applied from the hard bias
layers 130 to the free magnetic layer 21, and the magnetization
vectors at the two side portions of the free magnetic layers are
inhibited from being disordered due to the demagnetizing field
which would otherwise occur. The magnetic domains in the free
magnetic layer 21 may be suitably controlled and the stability of
the output waveform at the two sides of the track width Tw can be
improved.
[0138] In this spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, the thickness
of the extensions 6f of the bias underlayers 6 is preferably about
1 nm or less, and more preferably, about 0.5 nm or less.
[0139] When the thickness of the extensions 6f of the bias
underlayers 6 is about 1 nm or less, pinholes are readily formed in
the portion 6f. The portions of the free magnetic layer 21 in
contact with the extensions 6f and the hard bias layers 130 are
magnetically coupled by the exchange interaction acting through
these pinholes. As a result, in this spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element, the magnetic charges accumulated in the two side portions
of the free magnetic layer, which would generate demagnetizing
field, are effectively removed by the exchange interaction. Thus,
generation of the demagnetizing field at the two side portions of
the free magnetic layer 21 is prevented, and a strong bias magnetic
field from each of the hard bias layers 130 can be effectively
applied to the free magnetic layer 21. The demagnetization vectors
at the two side portions of the free magnetic layers can be
prevented from being disordered due to the magnetization field
which would otherwise occur, the domains of the free magnetic layer
21 can be further suitably controlled, and the stability of the
read waveform at the two ends of the track width Tw may be further
improved.
[0140] Next, a method for making a magnetoresistive thin-film
magnetic element, as applied to a method for making the spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is described
with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8.
[0141] First, as shown in FIG. 4, a composite layer M comprising
the underlayer 10, the NiFe sublayer 22, the Co sublayer 23
(comprising the NiFe sublayer 22 and the Co sublayer 23), the
nonmagnetic conductive layer 24, the second pinned magnetic
sublayer 25, the nonmagnetic interlayer 26, the first pinned
magnetic sublayer 27, the antiferromagnetic layer 28, and the
protective layer 29 deposited in that order, is formed on a
substrate K. The composite layer M will be used as the composite
a3. After the composite layer M is formed, a lift-off resist layer
9 is formed on the composite layer M. An area not covered by the
lift-off resist layer 9 is removed by means of ion milling so as to
form sloped side surfaces b3 of the composite a3 having the shape
of an isosceles trapezoid, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0142] When the composite a3 is formed, a slope angle .theta. at
the each side surface b3 is preferably about 30 degrees or more. In
this manner, when the hard bias layers 130 are formed at the two
sides of the composite a3 in the subsequent step, the thickness of
the end portions 130C of the hard bias layers 130 can be increased,
and the end portions 130C not provided with the bias underlayer 6
underneath, are minimized. As a consequence, the volume of the end
portions 130C having a low coercive force can be decreased, thereby
reducing the Barkhausen jump (BHJ) to 15 percent or less. More
preferably, the slope angle .theta. is about 45 degrees or more to
reduce the BHJ to about 10 percent or less. Most preferably, the
slope angle .theta. is about 60 degrees or more to reduce the BHJ
to about 5 percent or less.
[0143] In this method, the lift-off resist layer 9 is preferably
formed by a bilevel resist method, an image reverse method, or the
like.
[0144] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the bias underlayers 6 are formed
on the substrate K at the position corresponding to the bottom of
the hard bias layers 130 which will be formed later. Here, the
upper surfaces of the bias underlayers 6 are positioned at the
level lower (closer to the substrate K) than the lower surface of
the free magnetic layer 21.
[0145] The bias underlayers 6 may be formed by a sputtering method
or the like. In order to form the bias underlayers 6, a target
(first target) is preferably arranged to oppose the substrate K in
a substantially parallel manner. Preferably, the sputtered
particles have a narrow incident angle distribution and high
linearity.
[0146] As shown in FIG. 6, the bias underlayers 6 are formed by
those sputtered particles not blocked by the lift-off resist layer
9. When the sputtered particles have a narrow incident angle
distribution and high linearity, fewer sputtered particles s1 reach
the areas right below edges 9a of the lift-off resist layer 9.
[0147] In this manner, the sputtered particles s1 can be deposited
on the upper surface of the substrate K located at the two sides of
the composite a3 without substantially accumulating the sputtered
particles s1 on the side surfaces b3 of the composite a3.
[0148] The upper surfaces of the bias under layers 6 contact the
side surfaces b3 of the composite a3 at contact points e3. The
position of the contact points e3 is defined by the position of the
edges 9a of the lift-off resist layer 9 and by the incident angle
distribution and the linearity of the sputtered particles.
[0149] Preferably, the bias underlayers 6 are formed by one of, or
combination of, an ion beam sputtering method, a long-throw
sputtering method, and a collimation sputtering method.
[0150] The hard bias layers 130 are then formed on the bias
underlayers 6 at the two sides of the composite a3. As shown in
FIG. 7, the hard bias layers 130 are arranged so that at least part
of each of the hard bias layers 130 is positioned at the same level
as the level of the free magnetic layer 21. The upper surfaces 130A
of the hard bias layers 130 are positioned at a level lower than
the top ends d3 of the side surfaces b3 of the composite a3 and are
in contact with the side surfaces b3 of the composite a3.
[0151] The thickness of the hard bias layer 130 is preferably
larger than the thickness of the free magnetic layer 21 in the
layer thickness direction. The upper surfaces 130A of the hard bias
layers 130 are preferably positioned at a level higher than an
upper surface 21A of the free magnetic layer 21. The lower surface
of the hard bias layer 130 is preferably positioned at the level
lower than the lower surface of the free magnetic layer 21. The end
portions 130C of the hard bias layers 130 are in direct contact
with the side surfaces b3 of the composite a3 (the two side
portions of the free magnetic layer 21).
[0152] The contact points c3 are positioned at a level lower than
the top ends d3 of the side surfaces b3 of the composite a3 and at
a level lower than the highest level of the hard bias layers
130.
[0153] In order to form, on the bias underlayers 6, the hard bias
layers 130 which are parallel to the free magnetic layer 21 and are
in contact with the two sides of the free magnetic layer 21 through
end portions 130C by a sputtering method, a target (second target)
is arranged to oppose the substrate K so that an angle defined by
the second target and the substrate K is larger than the angle
defined by the first target and the substrate K during the step of
forming the bias underlayers. Preferably, the sputtered particles
s1a have a wider incident angle distribution compared to that
during the step of forming the bias underlayers, and high
linearity.
[0154] The hard bias layers 130, as shown in FIG. 7, are formed by
those sputtered particles s1a not blocked by the lift-off resist
layer 9. When the sputtered particles s1a have a wider incident
angle distribution and high linearity, an adequate number of the
sputtered particles s1a reaches the area right beneath the edges 9a
of the lift-off resist layer 9.
[0155] The contact points c3 are positioned at a level lower than
the highest level of the hard bias layers 130. The contact points
c3 are also positioned at a level lower than the top ends d3 of the
side surfaces b3 of the composite a3. The end portions 130C of the
hard bias layers 130 are in direct contact with the side surfaces
b3 (especially the two sides of the free magnetic layer 21) of the
composite a3.
[0156] The position of the contact points c3 is defined by the
positions of the edges 9a of the lift-off resist layer 9 and by the
incident angle distribution and linearity of the sputtered
particles.
[0157] Because the bias underlayers 6 are composed of a nonmagnetic
metal having a body-centered cubic structure which yields a
satisfactory crystal orientation in-the hard bias layers 130, the
hard bias layers 130 formed on such bias underlayers 6 exhibit a
superior crystal orientation and a significantly increased coercive
force and remanence ratio.
[0158] Preferably, the hard bias layers 130 may be formed by one
of, or combination of, an ion beam sputtering method, a long-throw
sputtering method, and a collimation sputtering method.
[0159] The conductive layers 131 are then formed on the hard bias
layers 130 so as to be connected with the side surfaces b3 of the
composite a3, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0160] In order to form the conductive layers 131 in contact with
the side surfaces b3 of the composite a3 by a sputtering method, a
target (third target) is arranged to oppose the substrate K so that
an angle defined by the third target and the substrate K is larger
than the angle defined by the second target and the substrate K
during the step of forming the hard bias layers. As the sputtering
method, an ion beam sputtering method, a long-throw sputtering
method, and a collimation sputtering method, alone or in
combination may be employed. A conventional sputtering method
having a relatively wide incident angle distribution can also be
employed.
[0161] The conductive layers 131, as shown in FIG. 8, are formed by
those sputtered particles s2 not blocked by the lift-off resist
layer 9. When the sputtering is performed while setting the angle
defined by the third target and the substrate K larger than the
angle defined by the second target and the substrate K during the
preceding step of forming the hard bias layers, in other words,
when the sputtered particles s2 have a wider incident angle
distribution compared to the preceding step of forming the hard
bias layers, an increased number of sputter particles s2 reaches
the area right below the edges 9a of the lift-off resist layer 9,
forming the conductive layers 131 in contact with the side surfaces
b3 of the composite a3.
[0162] Finally, the lift-off resist layer 9 is removed to complete
the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element shown in FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0163] It should be noted here that when a spin-valve thin-film
magnetic element comprising the extensions 6e extending to the
interfaces between the hard bias layers 130 and the free magnetic
layer 21 is fabricated, the angle defined by the first target and
the substrate K is adjusted (typically, increased) during the step
of forming the bias underlayers, so as to form the bias underlayers
6 on parts of the side surfaces b3 (the parts corresponding to the
two side portions of the free magnetic layer 21) and on the
substrate K at two sides of the composite a3. The rest of the
process is the same.
[0164] Furthermore, in making the spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element comprising the bias underlayers 6 comprising the bottom
portions 6g at the bottom of the hard bias layers 130 and the
extensions 6f extending to the interfaces between the free magnetic
layer 21 and the hard bias layers 130, the thickness of the
extensions 6f being smaller then the thickness of the bottom
portions 6g, the angle defined by the first target and the
substrate K is adjusted (typically further increased) during the
step of forming the bias underlayers in order to form the bias
underlayers 6 on the substrate K at the two sides of the composite
a3 and on the two side surfaces of the composite a3 (covering the
two sides of the free magnetic layer 21). The rest of the process
is the same.
Second Embodiment
[0165] FIG. 9 represents a cross-sectional view schematically
showing a spin-valve thin-film magnetic element according to a
second embodiment. FIG. 10 represents a cross-sectional view of the
spin-valve thin-film magnetic element shown in FIG. 9 when viewed
from the side opposing a recording medium.
[0166] The spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the second
embodiment is in which a nonmagnetic conductive layer, a pinned
magnetic layer, and an antiferromagnetic layer are deposited on
each of the top and bottom surfaces of a free magnetic layer.
[0167] In this dual spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, a
relatively large rate of change in resistance .DELTA.R/R may be
achieved compared to the single spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element, meeting the demand for higher recording density.
[0168] The spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the second
embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 comprises, from the bottom, an
underlayer 30, a lower antiferromagnetic layer 31, a lower first
pinned magnetic sublayer 32, a lower nonmagnetic interlayer 33, a
lower,second pinned magnetic sublayer 34, a nonmagnetic conductive
layer 35, a free magnetic layer 36 (comprising Co sublayers 37 and
39, and a NiFe alloy sublayer 38), a nonmagnetic conductive layer
40, an upper second pinned magnetic sublayer 41, an upper
nonmagnetic interlayer 42, an upper first pinned magnetic sublayer
43, an upper antiferromagnetic layer 44, and a protective layer 45,
deposited in that order.
[0169] As shown in FIG. 10, two sides of a composite a4 comprising
layers from the underlayer 30 to the protective layer 45 are
removed to form side surfaces b4. The lower portion of the lower
antiferromagnetic layer 31 of the composite a4 and the underlayer
30 provided under the lower antiferromagnetic layer 31 extend
beyond the lower antiferromagnetic layer 31, the lower first pinned
magnetic sublayer 32, and the lower nonmagnetic interlayer 33.
[0170] Hard bias layers 62 are formed on the lower
antiferromagnetic layer 31 at the two sides of the composite a4,
and a conductive layer 63 is formed on each of the hard bias layers
62. Bias underlayers 66 for controlling the crystal orientation of
the hard bias layers 62 are provided at the bottom of the hard bias
layers 62. The bias underlayers 66 are composed of the same
nonmagnetic metallic material having a body-centered structure used
for forming the bias underlayers 6 in the first embodiment. In the
second embodiment, the hard bias layers 62 are composed of a Co--Pt
alloy, a Co--Cr--Pt alloy, or the like. The hard bias layers 62 are
magnetized in the X1 direction in the drawings and orient the
magnetization vector of the free magnetic layer 36 in the X1
direction in the drawings.
[0171] The conductive layers 63 are formed of, for example, Cr, Ta,
Au, or the like.
[0172] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the second
embodiment, the lower antiferromagnetic layer 31 and the upper
antiferromagnetic layer 44 are preferably made of a PtMn alloy. The
PtMn alloy exhibits superior wear resistance, has a high blocking
temperature, and generates an increased exchange coupling magnetic
field (exchange anisotropic magnetic field), compared to a NiMn
alloy or an FeMn alloy, which are conventionally used as the
material for the antiferromagnetic layer.
[0173] The PtMn alloy may be replaced with an X--Mn alloy or an
X'--Pt--Mn alloy, wherein X is one element selected from the group
consisting of Pd, Ru, Ir, Rh, and Os and X' is at least one element
selected from the group consisting of Pd, Ru, Ir, Rh, Os, Au, Ag,
Ne, Ar, Xe, and Kr.
[0174] Preferably, the lower nonmagnetic interlayer 33 arranged
between the lower first pinned magnetic sublayer 32 and the lower
second pinned magnetic sublayer 34, and the upper nonmagnetic
interlayer 42 arranged between the upper first pinned magnetic
sublayer 43 and the upper second pinned magnetic sublayer 41 shown
in FIGS. 9 and 10 comprise at least one element selected from the
group consisting of Ru, Rh, Ir, Cr, Re, and Cu.
[0175] The hard bias layers 62 are positioned so that at least part
of each hard bias layer 62 is positioned at the same level as the
free magnetic layer 36. The thickness of each hard bias layer 62 is
larger than the thickness of the free magnetic layer 36. Upper
surfaces 62A of the hard bias layers 62 are positioned at a level
higher than the upper surface of the free magnetic layer 36. The
lower surfaces of the hard bias layers 62 are positioned at a level
lower than the lower surface of the free magnetic layer 36. End
portions 62C of the hard bias layers 62 are in direct contact with
the side surfaces b4 of the composite a4 (the two side portions of
the free magnetic layer 36).
[0176] Contact points c4, where the upper surfaces 62A of the hard
bias layers 62 and the side surfaces b4 of the composite a4 meet,
are preferably positioned at a level lower than top ends d4 of the
side surfaces b4 of the composite a4 and lower than the highest
level of the hard bias layer 62.
[0177] Preferably, the conductive layers 63 are formed on the hard
bias layers 62 so as to be in contact with the side surfaces b4 of
the composite a4.
[0178] The slope angle .theta. of each side portion of the
composite a4 sandwiched by the hard bias layers 62 is about 30
degrees or more. In this manner, the thickness of the end portions
62C of the hard bias layers 62 facing the composite a4 can be
increased. As the thickness of the end portions 62C increases, the
end portions 62C without the bias underlayers 66 are minimized. In
other words, the end portions 62C facing the composite a4 and
having disordered crystal orientations are decreased. As a
consequence, the volume of the portions with a reduced coercive
force, i.e., the volume of the end portions 62C of the hard bias
layer 62 facing the composite a4, is decreased, thus reducing
Barkhausen jump (BHJ) to about 15% or less. Preferably, the slope
angle .theta. is about 45 degrees or more to reduce the BHJ to
about 10% or less and, more preferably, the slope angle .theta. is
about 60 degrees or more to reduce the BHJ to about 5% or less.
[0179] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the thickness tP.sub.1 of the
lower first pinned magnetic sublayer 32 is smaller than the
thickness tP.sub.2 of the lower second pinned magnetic sublayer 34
formed above the lower first pinned magnetic sublayer 32 and
separated from the second pinned magnetic sublayer 34 by the lower
nonmagnetic interlayer 33. The thickness tP.sub.1 of the upper
first pinned magnetic sublayer 43 is larger than the thickness
tP.sub.2 of the upper second pinned magnetic sublayer 41 separated
from the upper first pinned magnetic sublayer 43 by the upper
nonmagnetic interlayer 42. The lower first pinned magnetic sublayer
32 and the upper first pinned magnetic sublayer 43 are magnetized
in the direction opposite to the Y direction in the drawings and
the lower second pinned magnetic sublayer 34 and the upper second
pinned magnetic sublayer 41 are magnetized in the Y direction in
the drawings.
[0180] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the first
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the thickness of the first
pinned magnetic layer and the thickness of the second pinned
magnetic layer are optimized so as to yield magnetic moments
Ms.multidot.tP.sub.1 and Ms.multidot.tP.sub.2 different from each
other. The magnetization vector of the first pinned magnetic layer
can be either in the Y direction in the drawings or in the
direction opposite to the Y direction in the drawings.
[0181] In the dual spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the
second embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, however, the
magnetization vectors of the lower first pinned magnetic sublayer
32 and the upper first pinned magnetic sublayer 43 are required to
be in the same direction. In this respect, the magnetic moment
Ms.multidot.tP.sub.1 of the lower first pinned magnetic sublayer 32
and the upper first pinned magnetic sublayer 43 and the magnetic
moment Ms.multidot.tP.sub.2 of the lower second pinned magnetic
sublayer 34 and the upper second pinned magnetic sublayer 41 are
adjusted, and the direction and the magnitude of the magnetic field
applied during annealing are optimized so as to make the dual
spin-valve thin-film magnetic element having satisfactory
performance.
[0182] Here, the lower first pinned magnetic sublayer 32 and the
upper first pinned magnetic sublayer 43 are magnetized in the same
direction in order to orient the magnetization vectors of the lower
second pinned magnetic sublayer 34 and the upper second pinned
magnetic sublayer 41 in the same direction, i.e., opposite to the
magnetization vectors of the lower first pinned magnetic sublayer
32 and the upper first pinned magnetic sublayer 43.
[0183] As described above, the rate of change in resistance
(.DELTA.R/R) is defined by the relationship between the pinned
magnetization vector of the pinned magnetized layer and the
variable magnetization vector of the free magnetic layer. In the
second embodiment where a pinned magnetic layer is divided into the
first and the second pinned magnetic sublayers, the second pinned
magnetic layer primarily determines the rate of change in
resistance (.DELTA.R/R). The first pinned magnetic layer plays a
secondary role, helping to pin the magnetization vector of the
second pinned magnetic layer in a predetermined direction.
[0184] If the magnetization vectors of the lower second pinned
magnetic sublayer 34 and the upper second pinned magnetic sublayer
41 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are pinned antiparallel to each other,
the resistance may be increased in relation to the pinned
magnetization vector of the upper second pinned magnetic sublayer
41 and the variable magnetization vector of the free magnetic layer
36 on one hand, but on other hand, the resistance may be
significantly decreased in relation to the pinned magnetization
vector of the lower second pinned magnetic sublayer 34 and the
variable magnetization vector of the free magnetic layer 36. As a
result, .DELTA.R/R of the dual spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element is decreased compared to that of the single spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0185] The above problem is not peculiar to the dual spin-valve
type thin-film magnetic element in which the pinned magnetic layer
is divided into two sublayers by the nonmagnetic interlayer
therebetween. The pinned magnetic layers formed above and below the
free magnetic layer of any dual spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element are required to be oriented in the same direction in order
to increase the rate of change in resistance .DELTA.R/R and achieve
high output.
[0186] In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the
magnetic moment Ms.multidot.tP.sub.2 of the lower second pinned
magnetic sublayer 34 is larger than the magnetic moment
Ms.multidot.tP.sub.1 of the lower first pinned magnetic sublayer
32. The magnetization vector of the lower second pinned magnetic
sublayer 34 having the larger Ms.multidot.tP.sub.2 is pinned in the
Y direction in the drawings. The direction of the combined magnetic
moment, i.e., the total of Ms.multidot.tP.sub.2 of the lower second
pinned magnetic sublayer 34 and Ms.multidot.tP.sub.1 of the lower
first pinned magnetic sublayer 32, is defined by the direction of
the magnetic moment of the lower second pinned magnetic sublayer 34
having the larger Ms.multidot.tP.sub.2 and is therefore pinned in
the Y direction in the drawings.
[0187] In contrast, as for the pinned magnetic layer formed above
the free magnetic layer 36, Ms.multidot.tP.sub.1 of the upper first
pinned magnetic sublayer 43 is larger than Ms.multidot.tP.sub.2 of
the upper second pinned magnetic sublayer 41. The magnetization
vector of the upper first pinned magnetic sublayer 43 having the
larger Ms.multidot.tP.sub.1 is pinned in the direction opposite to
the Y direction in the drawings. The direction of the combined
magnetic moment, i.e., the total of Ms.multidot.tP.sub.1 of the
upper first pinned magnetic sublayer 43 and Ms.multidot.tP.sub.2 of
the upper second pinned magnetic sublayer 41, is defined by the
direction of the magnetic moment of the upper first pinned magnetic
sublayer 43 having the larger Ms.multidot.tP.sub.1 and is therefore
pinned in the direction opposite to the Y direction in the
drawings.
[0188] As is apparent from the above, in the dual spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the direction
of the combined magnetic moment above the free magnetic layer 36
obtained by adding the Ms.multidot.tP.sub.1 of the first pinned
magnetic layer and Ms.multidot.tP.sub.2 of the second pinned
magnetic layer and the direction of the combined magnetic moment at
the lower side of the free magnetic layer 36 are opposite to each
other. Accordingly, the combined magnetic moment in the Y direction
in the drawings generated below the free magnetic layer 36 and the
combined magnetic moment in the direction opposite to the Y
direction in the drawings generated above the free magnetic layer
36 form a magnetic field rotating counterclockwise in the
drawings.
[0189] Consequently, because of the magnetic field generated by the
above-described combined magnetic moments, magnetization vectors of
the lower first pinned magnetic sublayer 32 and the lower second
pinned magnetic sublayer 34 and the magnetization vectors of the
upper first pinned magnetic sublayer 43 and upper second pinned
magnetic sublayer 41 can be further stably maintained in a
ferri-magnetic state.
[0190] A sense current 114 primarily flows into the nonmagnetic
conductive layer 35 and the nonmagnetic conductive layer 40, both
having a relatively low specific resistance. When the sense current
114 flows, a magnetic field is generated according to the
right-handed screw rule. When the sense current 114 flows in the
direction shown in FIG. 9, the direction of the magnetic field
generated by the sense current 114 flowing in the lower first
pinned magnetic sublayer 32, the lower nonmagnetic interlayer 33,
and lower second pinned magnetic sublayer 34 becomes the same as
the direction of the combined magnetic moment of the lower first
pinned magnetic sublayer 32, the lower nonmagnetic interlayer 33,
and the lower second pinned magnetic sublayer 34. Moreover, the
direction of the magnetic field generated by the sense current
flowing in the upper first pinned magnetic sublayer 43, the upper
nonmagnetic interlayer 42, and the upper second pinned magnetic
sublayer 41 becomes the same as the direction of the combined
magnetic moment of the upper first pinned magnetic sublayer 43, the
upper nonmagnetic interlayer 42, and the upper second pinned
magnetic sublayer 41.
[0191] The major advantages of making the direction of the magnetic
field generated by the sense current the same as the direction of
the combined magnetic moments are as follows. First, thermal
stability of the above-described pinned magnetic layers can be
improved. Also, a significantly large sense current can flow,
thereby improving the read output.
[0192] These advantages are achieved because the combined magnetic
moments in the pinned magnetic layers formed in the lower and upper
sides of the free magnetic layer 36 rotate counterclockwise.
[0193] Generally, the ambient temperature inside the device such as
a hard disk device and Joule heating due to the sense current in
the element elevate the temperature of the element. The temperature
of the element locally reaches a maximum temperature of about
200.degree. C. (about 473K) The temperature of the element is
expected to be further elevated henceforth as the rotation rate of
the recording medium increases and as the Joule heating increases
due to an increased sense current. The increase in the temperature
of the element will result in the degradation of the exchange
coupling magnetic field. However, in the second embodiment, the
magnetic field generated by the combined magnetic moment and the
magnetic field generated by the sense current contribute to
maintain the magnetization vectors of the lower first pinned
magnetic sublayer 32 and the lower second pinned magnetic sublayer
34 and the magnetization vectors of the upper first pinned magnetic
sublayer 43 and the upper second pinned magnetic sublayer 41 in a
thermally stable ferri-magnetic state.
[0194] Alternatively, in the second embodiment, below free magnetic
layer 36, the magnetic moment Ms.multidot.tP.sub.1 of the lower
first pinned magnetic sublayer 32 may be adjusted to be larger than
the magnetic moment Ms.multidot.tP.sub.2 of the lower second pinned
magnetic sublayer 34. Above the free magnetic layer 36, the
magnetic moment Ms.multidot.tP.sub.1 of the upper first pinned
magnetic sublayer 43 may be adjusted to be smaller than the
magnetic moment Ms.multidot.tP.sub.2 of the upper second pinned
magnetic sublayer 41.
[0195] In this case also, by applying a magnetic field of about 400
kA/m (about 5 kOe) or more in a direction corresponding to a
desired magnetic vector of the lower and upper first pinned
magnetic sublayers 32 and 43, i.e., in the Y direction or the
direction opposite to the Y direction, the lower and upper second
pinned magnetic sublayers 34 and 41 are pinned in one direction.
Moreover, a magnetic field is generated by the combined magnetic
moments rotating clockwise or counterclockwise.
[0196] As is apparent from the above, in the spin-valve thin-film
magnetic elements of the first and second embodiments, the
magnetization vectors in the pinned magnetic layers are thermally
stable because each of the pinned magnetic layers is divided into
the first pinned magnetic sublayer and the second pinned magnetic
sublayer by the nonmagnetic interlayer therebetween and the
magnetization vectors of the first and second pinned magnetic
sublayers are antiparallel to each other (in a ferri-magnetic
state) due to the exchange coupling magnetic field generated
between these layers (RKKY interaction).
[0197] Especially in these embodiments, thermal stability of the
magnetization state of the first and second pinned magnetic field
can be further improved by using one of a PtMn alloy, an X--Mn
alloy, and an X----Pt--Mn alloy as the material for the
antiferromagnetic layers. These alloys exhibit a high blocking
temperature and generate a strong exchange coupling magnetic field
(exchange anisotropic magnetic field) at the interface with the
first pinned magnetic layer.
[0198] In these embodiments, by adjusting the Ms.multidot.tP.sub.1
of the first pinned magnetic layer and Ms.multidot.tP.sub.2 of the
second pinned magnetic layer to be different from each other and by
optimizing the magnitude and the direction of the applied magnetic
field during the thermal treatment, the first (and second) pinned
magnetic sublayer(s) may be magnetized in a desired direction.
[0199] Especially in the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of
the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, Ms.multidot.tP.sub.1
of the lower first pinned magnetic sublayer 32 and the upper first
pinned magnetic sublayer 43 and Ms.multidot.tP.sub.2 of the lower
second pinned magnetic sublayer 34 and the upper second pinned
magnetic sublayer 41 are optimized and the direction and the
magnitude of the magnetic field applied during the thermal
treatment are adequately controlled so as to pin the magnetization
vectors of the lower second pinned magnetic sublayer 34 and the
upper second pinned magnetic sublayer 41 in one direction. The
lower second pinned magnetic sublayer 34 and the upper second
pinned magnetic sublayer 41 affect the rate of change in resistance
(.DELTA.R/R). Also, in this manner, the combined magnetic moment
generated above the free magnetic layer 36 and that generated at
the lower side of the free magnetic layer 36 are antiparallel to
each other. Accordingly, thermal stability of the magnetization in
the pinned magnetic layers may be further improved due to the
presence of the magnetic field generated by the combined magnetic
moment and the magnetic field generated by the sense current.
[0200] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the second
embodiment, the end portions 62C of the hard bias layers 62 are in
direct contact with the two side portions of the free magnetic
layer 36. Thus, the free magnetic layer 36 and the hard bias layers
62 arranged at the sides of the free magnetic layer 36 are
magnetically coupled due to the exchange coupling (exchange
interaction). As a consequence, the demagnetizing field is
inhibited from occurring at the two side portions of the free
magnetic layer 36, and a strong bias magnetic field may be
effectively applied from the hard bias layers 62 to the free
magnetic layer 36. The magnetization vectors in the two side
portions of the free magnetic layer 36 are prevented from being
disordered due to the demagnetizing field which would otherwise be
generated at the two side portions of the free magnetic layer
(prevention of the buckling phenomenon), thereby satisfactorily
controlling the magnetic vectors in the free magnetic layer 36 The
stability of the output waveform at the two end portions of the
track width Tw can also be improved.
[0201] Since no demagnetizing field is generated at the two side
portions of the free magnetic layer 36 as described above, the
buckling phenomenon may be prevented even when the track width of
the read head equipped with this spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element is made narrower. The errors in the read waveform at the
two end portions of the track width Tw caused by the buckling
phenomenon may be prevented, and the stability of the output
waveform may be improved for the read head as a whole.
[0202] Moreover, even when the product of the remanence and the
layer thickness of the hard bias layers 62 is decreased to a
certain extent, no demagnetizing field is generated at the two side
portions of the free magnetic layer 36 due to the exchange
interaction described above. A bias magnetic field may be
effectively applied to the free magnetic layer 36 from the hard
bias layers 62, and the stability of the read waveforms at the two
ends of the track width Tw can be improved. Moreover, for example,
the thickness of the hard bias layers 62 may be decreased so as to
weaken the exchange bias magnetic field. In this manner, the
regions with lower read output located at the side of the composite
a4 are minimized and the region with high read output located at
the center is enlarged, thereby improving the overall read
output.
[0203] It should be noted that in the spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element of the second embodiment, no bias underlayer is provided
between the free magnetic layer 36 and the hard bias layers 62
arranged at the two sides of the composite a4. In other words, the
end portions 62C of the hard bias layers 62 are in direct contact
with the two side portions of the free magnetic layer 36. However,
the end portions 62C of the hard bias layer 62 and the side
portions of the free magnetic layer 36 are required to be in direct
contact only partly. Accordingly, the bias underlayers 66 may
comprise extensions 66e shown by dotted lines in FIG. 10 extending
to the interfaces between the free magnetic layer 36 and the hard
bias layers 62.
[0204] In this type of spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, the
free magnetic layer 36 and each of the hard bias layers 62 are at
least partly in direct contact with each other even when the bias
underlayers 66 extend to the interfaces between the free magnetic
layer 36 and the hard bias layers 62. Thus, the free magnetic layer
36 and the hard bias layers 62 are magnetically coupled due to an
exchange interaction, effectively removing the magnetic charges,
which are the cause of the demagnetizing field, accumulated at the
two side portions of the free magnetic layer 36. As a consequence,
no demagnetizing field is generated at the two side portions of the
free magnetic layer 36. Furthermore, while the efficiency of
applying the bias magnetic field from the hard bias layers 62 to
the free magnetic layer 36 is reduced compared to the element
without extensions of the bias underlayers 66, a strong bias
magnetic field may be satisfactorily applied to the free magnetic
layer 36 from the hard bias layers 62. Consequently, the
magnetization vectors at the two side portions of the free magnetic
layer may be prevented from becoming disordered due to the
demagnetizing field which would otherwise be generated in the two
side portions of the free magnetic layer. The magnetic domains in
the free magnetic layer 36 may be satisfactorily controlled, and
the stability of the output waveform at the two end portions of the
track width Tw can be improved.
[0205] Also in this type of spin-valve thin-film magnetic element,
the thickness of the extension 66e of each bias underlayer 66 is
preferably about 1 nm or less, and more preferably, about 0.5 nm or
less.
[0206] In the second embodiment, no bias underlayer is provided
between the free magnetic layer 36 and the hard bias layers 62
arranged at the two sides of the free magnetic layer 36. In other
words, the end portions 62C of the hard bias layers 62 facing the
composite a4 are in direct contact with the two side portions of
the free magnetic layer 36. Alternatively, the bias underlayers 66
may be formed at the interfaces of the free magnetic layer 36 and
the hard bias layers 62. In such a case, the thickness (in the
track width direction) of extensions 66f of the bias underlayers 66
at the interface between the free magnetic layer 36 and the hard
bias layer 62 is smaller than the thickness (in the height
direction of the composite a4) of bottom portions 66g provided at
the bottom of the hard bias layers 62.
[0207] In this spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, the
extensions 66f of the bias underlayers 66 at the interfaces between
the free magnetic layer 36 and each of the hard bias layers 62 is
thinner than the portions 66g of the hard bias layers at the
bottom. In this manner, pinholes are formed in the extensions 66f
of the bias underlayers 66 and the free magnetic layer 36 and the
hard bias layers 62 are magnetically coupled through these
pinholes. As a result, magnetic charges accumulated in the two side
portions of the free magnetic layer, the cause of the demagnetizing
field, may be effectively removed, and generation of the
demagnetizing field at the two side portions of the free magnetic
layer 36 may be prevented. A strong bias magnetic field may be
properly applied to the free magnetic layer 36 from the hard bias
layers 62. Thus, the magnetization vectors in the two side portions
of the free magnetic layers are prevented from being disordered by
the demagnetizing field which would otherwise occur in the two side
portions of the free magnetic layer, and the magnetic domains of
the free magnetic layer 36 can be properly controlled. The
stability of the output waveform at the two end portions of the
track width Tw can also be improved. Moreover, the portions
provided with the bias underlayer desirably exhibit a high coercive
force and a high remanence ratio.
[0208] In this spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, the thickness
of the portion 66f of the bias underlayer 66 at the interface
between the free magnetic layer 36 and the hard bias layer 62 is
preferably about 1 nm or less, and more preferably, about 0.5 nm or
less.
[0209] Next, a method for making the spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element of the second embodiment will be explained.
[0210] First, a composite layer comprising the underlayer 30, the
lower antiferromagnetic layer 31, the lower first pinned magnetic
sublayer 32, the lower nonmagnetic interlayer 33, the lower second
pinned magnetic sublayer 34, the nonmagnetic conductive layer 35,
the free magnetic layer 36 (comprising a Co sublayers 37 and 39 and
a NiFe sublayer 38), the nonmagnetic conductive layer 40, the upper
second pinned magnetic sublayer 41, the upper nonmagnetic
interlayer 42, the upper first pinned magnetic sublayer 43, the
upper antiferromagnetic layer 44, and the protective layer 45,
deposited in that order, are formed on a substrate. On the
resulting composite layer, a lift-off resist layer is formed as in
the method of the first embodiment. The part not covered by the
lift-off resist is removed by means of ion milling so as to form
the sloped side surfaces b4 of the composite a4 substantially
having the shape of an isosceles trapezoid.
[0211] Next, the bias underlayers 66 extending outward from the two
sides of the composite a4 are formed on the lower antiferromagnetic
layer 31. Here, the upper surfaces of the bias underlayers 66 are
positioned at a level lower than the lower surface of the free
magnetic layer 36.
[0212] The hard bias layers 62 are then formed on the upper
surfaces of the bias underlayers 66 at the two sides of the
composite a4 so that at least part of each of the hard bias layers
62 is positioned at the same level as the free magnetic layer. At
this time, the upper surfaces 62A of the hard bias layers 62 are
positioned at a level lower than the top ends d4 of the side
surfaces b4 of the composite a4 and are formed to be in contact
with the side surfaces b4 of the composite a4.
[0213] Preferably, the thickness of the hard bias layers 62 is
larger than the thickness of the free magnetic layer 36. Moreover,
the upper surfaces 62A of the hard bias layers 62 are positioned at
a level higher than the upper surface of the free magnetic layer
36, and the lower surface of the hard bias layer 62 is positioned
at a level lower than the lower surface of the free magnetic layer
36. The end portions 62C of the hard bias layers 62 are in direct
contact with the side surfaces b4 of the composite a4 (the two side
portions of the free magnetic layer 36).
[0214] Preferably, the contact points c4, where the upper surfaces
62A of the hard bias layers 62 and the side surfaces b4 of the
composite a4 meet, are positioned at a level lower than the top
ends d4 of the side surfaces b4 of the composite a4 and lower than
the highest level of the hard bias layers 62.
[0215] The conductive layers 63 are then formed on the hard bias
layers 62 so as to contact the side surfaces b4 of the composite
a4.
[0216] Finally, the lift-off resist layer is removed to complete
the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element shown in FIGS. 9 and
10.
[0217] It should be noted here that when making a spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element having the extensions 66e formed at the
interfaces between the free magnetic layer 36 and the hard bias
layers 62, the angle defined by substrate and a first target is
adjusted (typically increased) during the step of forming the bias
underlayers so as to form the bias underlayers 66 on the lower
antiferromagnetic layer 31 at the two sides of the composite a4 as
well as on part of the side surfaces b4 of the composite a4 (part
of the two side portions of the free magnetic layer 36). The rest
of the process is the same.
[0218] When making the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element having
the bias underlayers 66 comprising the extensions 66f extending to
the interfaces between the free magnetic layer 36 and the hard bias
layers 62 and the bottom portions 66g at the bottom of the hard
bias layers 62, the extensions 66f being thinner than the bottom
portions 66g, the angle defined by the first target and the
substrate is adjusted (typically further increased) during the step
of forming the bias underlayers 66 on the lower antiferromagnetic
layer 31 at the two sides of the composite a4 and at the two side
surfaces of the composite a4 (the two side portions of the free
magnetic layer). The rest of the process is the same.
Third Embodiment
[0219] FIG. 11 represents a cross-sectional view schematically
showing a third embodiment of a spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element. FIG. 12 represents a cross-sectional view of the
spin-valve thin-film magnetic element shown in FIG. 11 viewed from
the face opposing a recording medium.
[0220] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the third
embodiment, a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk moves
in the Z direction in the drawings, and the direction of a leakage
magnetic field from the magnetic recording medium is-the Y
direction in the drawings.
[0221] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the third
embodiment, not only a pinned magnetic layer but also a free
magnetic layer is divided into two sublayers, i.e., a first free
magnetic sublayer and a second free magnetic sublayer, by a
nonmagnetic interlayer therebetween.
[0222] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the spin-valve thin-film
magnetic element of the third embodiment is formed on a substrate
(not shown) and comprises, from the bottom, an underlayer 70, a
second free magnetic sublayer 71, a nonmagnetic interlayer 72, a
first free magnetic sublayer 73, a nonmagnetic conductive layer 76,
a second pinned magnetic sublayer 77, a nonmagnetic interlayer 78,
a first pinned magnetic sublayer 79, an antiferromagnetic layer 80,
and a protective layer 81, deposited in that order.
[0223] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the third
embodiment, the underlayer 70 and the protective layer 81 are
composed of, for example, Ta or the like.
[0224] Preferably, the antiferromagnetic layer 80 is composed of a
PtMn alloy, as in the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the
first embodiment. The PtMn alloy may be replaced with an X-Mn alloy
or an X'--Pt--Mn alloy, wherein X is one element selected from the
group consisting of Pd, Ru, Ir, Rh, and Os, and X' is at least one
element selected from the group consisting of Pd, Ru, Ir, Rh, Os,
Au, Ag, Ne, Ar, Xe, and Kr.
[0225] The first pinned magnetic sublayer 79 and the second pinned
magnetic sublayer 77 are composed of elemental cobalt (Co), a NiFe
alloy, a CoFe alloy, a CoNiFe alloy, or the like.
[0226] The nonmagnetic interlayer 78 is preferably composed of at
least one element selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, Ir,
Cr, Re, and Cu.
[0227] The nonmagnetic conductive layer 76 is composed of Cu or the
like.
[0228] The magnetization vectors of the first pinned magnetic
sublayer 79 and the second pinned magnetic sublayer 77 are
antiparallel to each other, i.e., in a ferri-magnetic state. The
magnetization vector of the first pinned magnetic sublayer 79 is,
for example, pinned in the Y direction in the drawings whereas the
magnetization vector of the second pinned magnetic sublayer 77 is
pinned in the direction opposite to the Y direction in the
drawings. A significantly large exchange coupling magnetic field is
required in order to stably maintain the ferri-magnetic state. The
following arrangements are made in this embodiment in order to
yield a significantly large exchange coupling magnetic field.
[0229] The nonmagnetic interlayer 72 is formed on the second free
magnetic sublayer 71, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The second free
magnetic sublayer 71 is composed of, for example, a NiFe alloy, a
CoFe alloy, a CoNiFe alloy, or the like.
[0230] The first free magnetic sublayer 73 is formed on the
nonmagnetic interlayer 72. The nonmagnetic conductive layer 76 is
formed on the first free magnetic sublayer 73.
[0231] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first free magnetic
sublayer 73 comprises a NiFe sublayer 74 and a Co sublayer 75, the
Co sublayer 75 being in contact with the nonmagnetic conductive
layer 76. The nonmagnetic conductive layer 76 is adjacent to the
nonmagnetic conductive layer 76 so as to increase the rate of
change in resistance .DELTA.R/R and to prevent diffusion to/from
the nonmagnetic conductive layer 76.
[0232] A composite a5 comprising layers from the underlayer 70 to
the protective layer 81 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 has the shape of a
trapezoid. Hard bias layers 82 are formed at the two sides of the
composite a5. A conductive layer 83 is formed on each of the hard
bias layers 82. A bias underlayer 86 for controlling the crystal
orientation of the hard bias layer 82 is formed at the bottom of
each of the hard bias layers 82. The hard bias layers 82 are
composed of a Co--Pt alloy, Co--Cr--Pt alloy, or the like. Because
the hard bias layers 82 are magnetized in the X1 direction in the
drawings, the first free magnetic sublayer 73 is magnetized in the
X1 direction in the drawings.
[0233] The conductive layers 83 are composed of Cr, Ta, Au,
etc.
[0234] The bias underlayer 86 is composed of a nonmagnetic metal
having a body-centered structure, the same material which
constitutes the bias under layers 6 of the first embodiment.
[0235] The hard bias layers 82 are formed so that at least part of
each of the hard bias layers 82 is positioned at the same level as
the first free magnetic sublayer 73. The thickness of the hard bias
layers 82 are larger than the thickness of the first free magnetic
sublayer 73. Upper surfaces 82A of the hard bias layers 82 are
positioned at the level higher than the upper surface of the first
free magnetic sublayer 73. The lower surfaces of the hard bias
layers 82 are positioned at the level lower than the lower surface
of the first free magnetic sublayer 73. End portions 82C of the
hard bias layer 82 facing are in direct contact with side surfaces
b5 of the composite a5 (i.e., the respective two end portions of
the first and second free magnetic layers 73 and 71 and the
nonmagnetic interlayer 72).
[0236] Preferably, contact points c5 where the upper surfaces 82A
of the hard bias layers 82 and the side surfaces b5 of the
composite a5 meet are positioned at the level lower than top ends
d5 of the side surfaces b5 of the composite a5 and lower than the
highest level of the hard bias layers 82.
[0237] Preferably, the conductive layers 83 are formed on the hard
bias layer 82 so as to be in contact with the side surfaces b5 of
the composite a5.
[0238] The slope angle .theta. of each side portion of the
composite a5 sandwiched by the hard bias layers 82 is more than
about 30 degrees. In this manner, the end portion 82C of the hard
bias layer 82 facing the composite a5, i.e., the portion without
the bias underlayer 86, may be reduced. In other words, the end
portion 82C having a disordered crystal orientation can be
minimized. Consequently, the volume of the end portion 82C of the
bias underlayer 86 facing the composite a5, i.e., the portion
having a low coercive force, can be reduced, and Barkhausen jump
(BHJ) can be desirably decreased to about 15% or less. Preferably,
the slope angle .theta. is about 45 degrees or more to reduce the
BHS to about 10% or less, and more preferably, the slope angle
.theta. is about 60 degrees or more to reduce the BHS to about 5%
or less.
[0239] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the nonmagnetic interlayer 72
is provided between the first free magnetic sublayer 73 and the
second free magnetic sublayer 71. An exchange coupling magnetic
field (RKKY interaction) generated between the first free magnetic
sublayer 73 and the second free magnetic sublayer 71 puts the
magnetization vectors in the first free magnetic sublayer 73 and
the second free magnetic sublayer 71 in an antiparallel state (a
ferromagnetic state).
[0240] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the third
embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the thickness tF.sub.1 of the
first free magnetic sublayer 73 is larger than the thickness
tF.sub.2 of the second free magnetic sublayer 71.
[0241] Accordingly, the magnetic moment Ms.multidot.tF.sub.1 of the
first free magnetic sublayer 73 is larger than the magnetic moment
Ms.multidot.tF.sub.2 of the second free magnetic sublayer 71. When
there is a bias magnetic field in the X1 direction in the drawings
from the hard bias layers 82, the first free magnetic sublayer 73
having the larger Ms.multidot.tF.sub.1 is magnetized in the X1
direction in the drawings due to this bias magnetic field. The
exchange coupling magnetic field with the first free magnetic
sublayer 73 (RKKY interaction) orients the magnetization vector of
the second free magnetic sublayer 71 having the smaller
Ms.multidot.tF.sub.2 in the direction opposite to the X1 direction
in the drawings. In the third embodiment, alternatively, the
thickness tF.sub.1 of the first free magnetic sublayer 73 may be
set to be smaller than the thickness tF.sub.2 of the second free
magnetic sublayer 71, and Ms.multidot.tF.sub.1 of the first free
magnetic sublayer 73 may be set to be smaller than the
Ms.multidot.tF.sub.2 of the second free magnetic sublayer 71.
[0242] When there is an external magnetic field from the Y
direction in the drawings, the magnetization vectors of the first
free magnetic sublayer 73 and the second free magnetic sublayer 71
rotate while maintaining the ferri-magnetic state. Electrical
resistance then changes in relation to the magnetization vector of
the first free magnetic sublayer 73, which contributes to the rate
of change in resistance .DELTA.R/R, and the pinned magnetization
vector of the second pinned magnetic sublayer 77, detecting the
external magnetic field.
[0243] Preferably, in the third embodiment, the nonmagnetic
interlayer 72 provided between the first free magnetic sublayer 73
and the second free magnetic sublayer 71 is composed of at least
one element selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, Ir, Cr,
Re, and Cu.
[0244] In the case where the magnetic moment Ms.multidot.tF.sub.1
of the first free magnetic sublayer 73 is set to be greater than
the magnetic moment Ms.multidot.tF.sub.2 of the second free
magnetic sublayer 71, either the thickness of the bias underlayer
86 is increased or a base layer is employed so that lower surfaces
82B of the hard bias layers 82 contact the side surfaces of the
composite a5 at a position between the upper surface and the lower
surface of the first free magnetic sublayer 73, as shown by a
dotted line 82B'. In this manner, only the first free magnetic
sublayer 73 directly contacts the hard bias layers 82 at the side
surfaces of the composite a5, and the second free magnetic sublayer
71 does not directly contact the hard bias layers 82. Since the
magnetization vector of the second free magnetic sublayer 71 is the
opposite to the magnetization vector of the hard bias layer 82, the
magnetization vectors at the two end portions of the second free
magnetic sublayer 71 become disordered when the second free
magnetic sublayer 71 is in direct contact with the hard bias layers
82, thereby disturbing the magnetization vectors at the two side
portions of the first free magnetic sublayer 73.
[0245] The magnetization vectors of the first free magnetic
sublayer 73 can be aligned by bringing the lower surfaces of the
hard bias layer 82 up to the level indicated by the dotted line
82B'. The first free magnetic sublayer 73 can be readily put into a
single-magnetic-domain state, and the magnetic domains in the first
free magnetic sublayer 73 can be further satisfactorily controlled.
Moreover, the read waveform at the two sides of the track width Tw
may be prevented from being disordered, and the stability of the
read waveform can be improved.
[0246] Preferably, the lower surfaces 82B of the hard bias layers
82 are connected to the side surfaces of the composite a5 at a
position which is the half the thickness of the first free magnetic
sublayer 73, as indicated by the dotted line 82B'.
[0247] In this manner, the magnetization vectors at the two end
portions of the first free magnetic sublayer 73 are prevented from
being disordered by a frustration between the magnetization vectors
of the second free magnetic sublayer 71 and the hard bias layer 82.
A strong bias magnetic field can be easily applied to the first
free magnetic sublayer 73, and the first free magnetic sublayer 73
can be readily put into a single-magnetic-domain state. The
stability of the read waveform can also be improved.
[0248] By setting the absolute value of the combined magnetic
moment of the first free magnetic sublayer 73 and the second free
magnetic sublayer 71 is larger than the absolute value of the
combined magnetic moment of the second pinned magnetic sublayer 77
and the first pinned magnetic sublayer 79, the magnetization
vectors of the first free magnetic sublayer 73 and the second free
magnetic sublayer 71 are prevented from being affected by the
combined magnetic moment of the second pinned magnetic sublayer 77
and the first pinned magnetic sublayer 79, and the symmetricalness
of the waveforms is prevented from degrading. Thus, the magnetic
vectors of the second free magnetic sublayer 71 and the first free
magnetic sublayer 73 rotate in response to the external magnetic
field with high sensitivity, thereby improving output.
[0249] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the third
embodiment, the end portions 82C of the hard bias layers 82 are in
direct contact with the two sides of the first free magnetic
sublayer 73. In this manner, the first free magnetic sublayer 73
and the hard bias layers 82 adjacent to the first free magnetic
sublayer 73 are magnetically coupled due to the exchange coupling
(exchange interaction), thereby preventing the generation of the
demagnetizing field at the two side portions of the first free
magnetic sublayer 73. Consequently, a strong bias magnetic field
from the hard bias layers 82 can be effectively applied to the
first free magnetic sublayer 73, the magnetization vectors at the
two side portions of the free magnetic layer is prevented from
being disordered by the demagnetizing field which would otherwise
occur at the two side portions of the free magnetic layer
(prevention of the buckling phenomenon). The magnetic domains of
the first free magnetic sublayer 73 and the second free magnetic
sublayer 71 may be suitably controlled, and the stability of the
read waveform at the two ends of the track width Tw may be
improved.
[0250] Because no demagnetizing field is generated at the two end
portions of the first free magnetic sublayer 73 and the second free
magnetic sublayer 71, respectively, the buckling phenomenon may be
prevented even when the track width of the read head equipped with
this spin-valve thin-film magnetic element is made narrower. The
read waveform are stable at the two ends of the track width Tw,
improving the stability of the read head as a whole.
[0251] Even when the product of the remanence ratio and the layer
thickness of the hard bias layers 82 is decreased to a certain
extent, the exchange interaction prevents the demagnetization at
the two side portions of the first free magnetic sublayer 73 and
the second free magnetic sublayer 71. Thus, a bias magnetic field
from each of the hard bias layers 82 can be effectively applied to
the first free magnetic sublayer 73, and the stability of the read
waveform at the two ends of the track width Tw can be improved. The
region having low read output located in the vicinity of the side
surfaces of the composite a5 may be reduced, and the region having
high read output located at the center may be enlarged, thereby
improving the read output.
[0252] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the third
embodiment, the bias underlayer is not provided at the interfaces
between the first and second free magnetic sublayers 73 and 71 and
the hard bias layers 82 adjacent to these layers. In other words,
the end portions 82C of the hard bias layers 82 are in direct
contact with the two sides of the first free magnetic sublayer 73
and the second free magnetic sublayer 71. The end portion 82C and
the sides of the first free magnetic sublayer 73, however, are
required to be in direct contact only partly. The bias underlayers
86 may comprise extensions 86e shown by dotted lines in FIG. 12
extending to the interfaces between the second free magnetic
sublayer 71 and the hard bias layers 82.
[0253] In this type of spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, the
hard bias layers 82 and the first free magnetic sublayer 73 are
partly in contact with each other even when the bias underlayers 86
extend to the interfaces between the hard bias layers 82 and the
second free magnetic sublayer 71. As a result, the first free
magnetic sublayer 73 and the hard bias layer 82 adjacent to the
first free magnetic sublayer 73 are magnetically coupled due to the
exchange interaction, thereby effectively removing the cause of the
demagnetizing field, i.e., the magnetic charges accumulated at the
two side portions of the first free magnetic sublayer 73. The
demagnetizing field is prevented at the two side portions of the
first free magnetic sublayer 73, and a strong bias magnetic field
can be satisfactorily applied to the first free magnetic sublayer
73 from the hard bias layers 82. The magnetization vectors at the
two side portions of the free magnetic layer are prevented from
being disordered by the demagnetizing field which would otherwise
occur in the two side portions of the free magnetic layer. The
magnetic domains of the first free magnetic sublayer 73 may be
suitably controlled, and the stability of the read waveforms at the
two sides of the track width Tw can be improved.
[0254] In this spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, the thickness
of the extensions 86e of the bias under layers 86 is preferably
about 1 nm or less, and more preferably, about 0.5 nm or less.
[0255] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the third
embodiment, the bias underlayer is not provided at the interfaces
between the first and second free magnetic layers 73 and 71 and the
hard bias layers 82 adjacent to these layers. In other words, the
end portions 82C of the hard bias layers 82 are in direct contact
with the two sides of the first free magnetic sublayer 73 and the
second free magnetic sublayer 71. The bias underlayers 86, however,
may be provided between the first free magnetic sublayer 73 and the
second free magnetic sublayer 71 and the hard bias layers 82. The
thickness in the track width direction of portions 86f between the
first free magnetic sublayer 73 and the second free magnetic
sublayer 71 and the bias underlayers 86 is smaller than the
thickness in the height direction of the composite a5 of bottom
portions 86g at the bottom of the hard bias layers 82.
[0256] In this type of spin-valve thin-film magnetic element,
because the thickness of the portion 86f is smaller than the
thickness of the bottom portion 86g of the bias under layer 86,
pinholes are formed in the 86f. The first free magnetic sublayer 73
and the hard bias layers 86 at the two sides thereof are
magnetically coupled through these pinholes by an exchange
interaction. As a result, the cause of the demagnetizing field,
i.e., the magnetic charges accumulated at the two side portions of
the free magnetic layer can be effectively removed, inhibiting the
generation of the demagnetizing field in the two sides portions of
the first and second free magnetic sublayers. A strong bias
magnetic field may be satisfactorily applied to the free magnetic
sublayer 73 from the hard bias layers 82, the disorder, caused by
demagnetizing field, of the magnetization vectors at the two side
portions of the free magnetic layer may be prevented, and the
magnetic domains of the first and second free magnetic sublayers 73
and 71 are satisfactorily controlled. The stability of the output
waveform at the two ends of the track width Tw may be improved.
[0257] Preferably, the thickness of the extensions 86f between the
bias underlayers 86 and the first and second free magnetic
sublayers is about 1 nm or less, and more preferably, about 0.5 nm
or less.
[0258] Next, a method for making the spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element of the third embodiment is described.
[0259] First, a composite layer comprising the underlayer 70, the
second free magnetic sublayer 71, the nonmagnetic interlayer 72,
the first free magnetic sublayer 73 (comprising a NiFe sublayer 74
and a Co layer 75), the nonmagnetic conductive layer 76, the second
pinned magnetic sublayer 77, the nonmagnetic interlayer 78, the
first pinned magnetic sublayer 79, the antiferromagnetic layer 80,
the protective layer deposited in that order, is formed on a
substrate. A lift-off resist layer is formed as in the first
embodiment, and the areas not covered by the lift-off resist layer
are removed by ion milling so as to form a composite a5 having a
sloped surfaces b5 and the shape of an isosceles trapezoid.
[0260] The bias underlayers 86 are then formed on the substrate at
the two sides of the composite a5. The upper surfaces of the bias
underlayers 86 are positioned at a level lower than the lower
surface of the second free magnetic sublayer 71.
[0261] The hard bias layers 82 are then formed on the bias
underlayers 86 at the two sides of the composite a5, so that at
least part of each hard bias layer 82 is positioned at the same
level as the first and second free magnetic sublayer 73 and 71.
Upper surfaces 82A come in contact with the side surfaces b5 of the
composite a5 at the position lower than top ends d5 of the side
surfaces b5.
[0262] The thickness of the hard bias layers 82 is preferably
larger than the total thickness of the first and second free
magnetic sublayers 73 and 71. The upper surfaces 82A of the hard
bias layers 82 are positioned at a level higher than the upper
surfaces of the first and second free magnetic sublayers 73 and 71.
The lower surfaces of the hard bias layers 82 are positioned at a
level lower than the lower surfaces of the first and second free
magnetic sublayers 73 and 71. The end portions 82C of the hard bias
layers 82 are in direct contact with the side surfaces b5 of the
composite a5 (the sides of the first and second free magnetic
sublayers 73 and 71).
[0263] Moreover, contact points c5 where the upper surfaces 82A and
the side surfaces b5 of the composite a5 meet are positioned at a
level lower than the lower surfaces of the first and second free
magnetic sublayers 73 and 71. The end portions 82C are in direct
contact with the side surfaces b5 of the composite A5 (the two
sides of the first and second free magnetic sublayers 73 and
71).
[0264] Next, the conductive layers 83 are formed on the hard bias
layers 82 so as to come into contact with the side surfaces b5 of
the composite a5.
[0265] Finally, the lift-off resist layer is removed to complete
the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element shown in FIGS. 11 and
12.
[0266] It should be noted here that when making a spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element having the extensions 86e formed at the
interfaces between the first and second free magnetic sublayers 73
and 71 and the hard bias layers 82, the angle defined by the
substrate and a first target is adjusted (typically increased)
during the step of forming the bias underlayers so as to form the
bias underlayers 86 on the substrate at the two sides of the
composite a5 and on part of each of the side surfaces b5 (part of
two end portions of the second free magnetic sublayer 71). The rest
of the process is the same.
[0267] When making the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element having
the bias underlayers 66 comprising the extensions 86f extending to
the interfaces between the first and second free magnetic sublayers
73 and 71 and the hard bias layers 82 and the bottom portions 66g
at the bottom of the hard bias layers 62, the extensions 66f being
thinner than the bottom portions 66g, the angle defined by the
substrate and the first target is adjusted (typically further
increased) during the step of forming the bias underlayers 86. The
rest of the process is the same.
Fourth Embodiment
[0268] FIG. 13 represents a cross-sectional view illustrating a
structure of a spin-valve thin-film magnetic element in accordance
with a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 14 represents a cross-sectional
view of this spin-valve thin-film magnetic element when viewed from
a face opposing a recording medium.
[0269] This spin-valve thin-film magnetic element is of a dual
type. That is, a nonmagnetic conductive layer, a pinned magnetic
layer, and an antiferromagnetic layer are deposited on each face of
a free magnetic layer. Each of the free magnetic layer and each
pinned magnetic layer is divided into two sublayers (first and
second sublayers) with a nonmagnetic interlayer provided
therebetween.
[0270] The bottommost layer in FIGS. 13 and 14 is an underlayer 91
formed on a substrate not shown in the drawings. A lower
antiferromagnetic layer 92, a first lower pinned magnetic sublayer
93, a lower nonmagnetic interlayer 94, a second lower pinned
magnetic sublayer 95, a nonmagnetic conductive layer 96, a second
free magnetic sublayer 97, a nonmagnetic interlayer 100, a first
free magnetic sublayer 101, a nonmagnetic conductive layer 104, a
second upper pinned magnetic sublayer 105, an upper nonmagnetic
interlayer 106, a first upper pinned magnetic sublayer 107, an
upper antiferromagnetic layer 108, and a protective layer 109 are
deposited on the underlayer 91.
[0271] Materials for these layers are now described.
[0272] The lower antiferromagnetic layer 92 and the upper
antiferromagnetic layer 108 are preferably formed of a PtMn alloy,
as in the above-described spin-valve thin-film magnetic element
according to the second embodiment. The PtMn alloy may be replaced
with an X--Mn or X'--Pt--Mn alloy wherein X is one element selected
from the group consisting of Pd, Ru, Ir, Rh, and Os, and X' is at
least one element selected from the group consisting of Pd. Ru, Ir,
Rh, Os, Au, Ag, Ne, Ar, Xe, and Kr.
[0273] The first lower pinned magnetic sublayer 93, first upper
pinned magnetic sublayer 107, second lower pinned magnetic sublayer
95, and the second upper pinned magnetic sublayer 105 are formed of
elemental cobalt, a NiFe alloy, a CoFe alloy, or a CoNiFe
alloy.
[0274] The lower nonmagnetic interlayer 94, the upper nonmagnetic
interlayer 106, and the nonmagnetic interlayer 100 are preferably
formed of at least one element selected from the group consisting
of Ru, Rh, Ir, Cr, Re, and Cu.
[0275] The nonmagnetic conductive layer 96 and the nonmagnetic
conductive layer 104 are formed of Cu or the like.
[0276] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, each of the first free magnetic
sublayer 101 and the second free magnetic sublayer 97 is divided
into two sublayers. A first upper free magnetic sublayer 103 of the
first free magnetic sublayer 101 is in contact with the nonmagnetic
conductive layer 104, and a second lower free magnetic sublayer 98
of the second free magnetic sublayer 97 is in contact with the
nonmagnetic conductive layer 96. The first upper free magnetic
sublayer 103 and the second lower free magnetic sublayer 98 are
formed of elemental cobalt (Co). A first lower free magnetic
sublayer 102 on the nonmagnetic interlayer 100 and a second upper
free magnetic sublayer 99 under the nonmagnetic interlayer 100 are
formed of a NiFe alloy, a CoFe alloy, a CoNiFe alloy, or the like.
Since the second lower free magnetic sublayer 98 and the first
upper free magnetic sublayer 103 in contact with the nonmagnetic
conductive layers 96 and 104, respectively, are formed of elemental
cobalt (Co), a large rate of change in resistance (.DELTA.R/R,) is
obtainable and diffusion from/to the nonmagnetic conductive layers
96 and 104 is prevented.
[0277] The composite a6 including from the underlayer 91 to the
underlayer 91 is a trapezoid having side faces b6. In the composite
a6, the bottom portion of the lower antiferromagnetic layer 92 and
the entire underlayer 91 extend from two sides of the composite a6
outward. Hard bias layers 110 composed of, for example, a CoPt
alloy or a CoCrPt alloy are formed on two sides of the lower
antiferromagnetic layer 92. Conductive layers 111 composed of Cr,
Ta, Au, or the like are formed on the hard bias layers 110.
Moreover, bias underlayers 116 are formed under the hard bias
layers 110 to control crystal orientation of the hard bias layers
110. The bias underlayers 116 are composed of a nonmagnetic metal
having a body centered cubic structure, which is used in the bias
underlayer 6 in the first embodiment.
[0278] The hard bias layers 110 are magnetized in a direction
opposite to the X1 direction in the drawings so that the first free
magnetic sublayer 101 is also magnetized in the direction opposite
to the X1 direction.
[0279] The hard bias layers 110 are positioned so that at least
part of each of the hard bias layers 110 is positioned at the same
level as the level of the first free magnetic sublayer 101. The
upper surfaces 110A of the hard bias layers 110 are more distant
from the substrate than the upper surface of the first free
magnetic sublayer 101, and the lower surfaces of the hard bias
layers 110 are nearer to the substrate than the lower surface of
the first free magnetic sublayer 101. Ends 110c of the hard bias
layers 110 at the composite a6 side are in direct contact with the
side faces b6 of the composite a6 including the first free magnetic
sublayer 101, the second free magnetic sublayer 97, and the
nonmagnetic interlayer 100. Preferably, the upper or lower surfaces
of the hard bias layers 110 are at a level which lies between the
thickness of one having a larger magnetic moment
(Ms.times.thickness t) of the first free magnetic sublayer 101 and
the second free magnetic sublayer 97 and is connected to the side
faces of the composite a6. More preferably, the hard bias layers
110 are connected to the side faces of the composite a6 at a
position which is the half the thickness of a free magnetic layer
having a larger magnetic moment.
[0280] Preferably, contact points c6 of upper surfaces 110A of the
hard bias layers 110 and the side faces b6 of the composite a6 are
below top ends d6 of the side faces b6 of the composite a6 and
below the highest position of the hard bias layers 110.
[0281] Preferably, the conductive layers 111 are formed on the hard
bias layers 110 so as to come into contact with the side faces b6
of the composite a6.
[0282] Preferably, slope angles .theta. of the two side faces b6 of
the composite 6a, which are sandwiched by the hard bias layers 110,
are about 30 degrees or more so as to decrease portions, which are
not in direct contact with the bias underlayers 116, of the ends
110C of the hard bias layers 110 (to decrease portions having
disordered crystal orientations at the ends 110C in the hard bias
layer 11s). As a consequence, the volume of the portions with
reduced coercive force at the ends 110C of the hard bias layer 130
facing the composite a6 is decreased, reducing Barkhausen jump
(BHJ) to about 15% or less. The slope angle .theta. is more
preferably about 45 degrees or more to reduce the BHJ to about 10%
or less and most preferably about 60 degrees or more to reduce the
BHJ to about 5% or less.
[0283] In the fourth embodiment, the lower antiferromagnetic layer
92 and the upper antiferromagnetic layer 108 are composed of an
antiferromagnetic material which is subjected to annealing to
generate an exchange coupling magnetic field (exchange anisotropic
magnetic field) at the interface with the first lower pinned
magnetic sublayer 93 and the first upper pinned magnetic sublayer
107, respectively, as described in the first embodiment.
[0284] However, diffusion of metallic elements readily occurs at
the interface between the lower antiferromagnetic layer 92 and the
first lower pinned magnetic sublayer 93, which are provided below
the free magnetic layers, so that the formation of a thermal
diffusion layer and an initial growing layer having small
saturation magnetization is facilitated. As a result, the magnetic
thickness of the first lower pinned magnetic sublayer 93 is smaller
than the designed thickness tP.sub.1 thereof.
[0285] Thus, it is preferable that the thickness tP.sub.1 of the
first lower pinned magnetic sublayer 93 below the free magnetic
layers be larger than the thickness tP.sub.1 of the first upper
pinned magnetic sublayer 107 above the free magnetic layers in
order that the exchange coupling magnetic field occurring in the
layers above the free magnetic layers is substantially equal to the
exchange coupling magnetic field occurring in the layers below the
free magnetic layers. This relationship suppresses deterioration of
these exchange coupling magnetic fields and improves reliability of
the resulting magnetic head.
[0286] In this dual spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, as shown
in FIGS. 13 and 14, the magnetization of the second lower pinned
magnetic sublayer 95 below the free magnetic layers and the
magnetization of the second upper pinned magnetic sublayer 105
above the free magnetic layers must be opposite each other, because
the magnetization of the first free magnetic sublayer 101 and the
magnetization of the second free magnetic sublayer 97 are
antiparallel to each other.
[0287] When the first free magnetic sublayer 101 is magnetized in a
direction opposite to the X1 direction as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14,
the magnetization of the second free magnetic sublayer 97 is
magnetized in the X1 direction by the exchange coupling magnetic
field with the first free magnetic sublayer 101 (RKKY interaction).
The magnetization of the first free magnetic sublayer 101 and the
magnetization of the second free magnetic sublayer 97 rotate in
response to an external magnetic field while maintaining a
ferri-magnetic state.
[0288] In this dual spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, both the
magnetization of the first free magnetic sublayer 101 and the
magnetization of the second free magnetic sublayer 97 contribute to
the rate of change in resistance (.DELTA.R/R). The electrical
resistance of the element varies with the relationships between the
variable magnetizations of the first and second free magnetic
sublayers 101 and 97, respectively, and the pinned magnetizations
of the second lower and upper pinned magnetic sublayers 95 and 105,
respectively. In order to achieve a large rate of change in
resistance (.DELTA.R/R,), the magnetization vector of the second
lower pinned magnetic sublayer 95 and the magnetization vector of
the second upper pinned magnetic sublayer 105 must be controlled so
that the change in resistance generated by the first free magnetic
sublayer 101 and the second upper pinned magnetic sublayer 105 is
the same as the change in resistance generated by the second free
magnetic sublayer 97 and the second lower pinned magnetic sublayer
95. That is, when the change in resistance by the first free
magnetic sublayer 101 and the second upper pinned magnetic sublayer
105 is maximized, the change in resistance by the second free
magnetic sublayer 97 and the second lower pinned magnetic sublayer
95 is also maximized. When the change in resistance by the first
free magnetic sublayer 101 and the second upper pinned magnetic
sublayer 105 is minimized, the change in resistance by the second
free magnetic sublayer 97 and the second lower pinned magnetic
sublayer 95 is also minimized.
[0289] In this dual spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, the
magnetization of the first free magnetic sublayer 101 and the
magnetization of the second free magnetic sublayer 97 are
antiparallel to each other. Thus, the magnetization of the second
upper pinned magnetic sublayer 105 and the magnetization of the
second lower pinned magnetic sublayer 95 must also be antiparallel
to each other. Such an antiparallel arrangement of the
magnetizations of the second lower pinned magnetic sublayer 95 and
the second upper pinned magnetic sublayer 105 achieves a high rate
of change in resistance (.DELTA.R/R,).
[0290] Since the ends 110C of the hard bias layers 110 are in
direct contact with two sides of the first free magnetic sublayer
101, the first free magnetic sublayer 101 and the adjoining hard
bias layers 110 are magnetically coupled by exchange coupling
(exchange interaction). Thus, a strong bias magnetic field from the
hard bias layers 110 may be effectively applied to the first free
magnetic sublayer 101 without forming a demagnetizing field at the
two sides of the first free magnetic sublayer 101 and the second
free magnetic sublayer 97, preventing disorder of the magnetization
vector at the two sides of the free magnetic layers (buckling
phenomenon). Since the magnetic domains in the first free magnetic
sublayer 101 and the second free magnetic sublayer 97 are highly
controlled, the stability of the output waveform at two ends of the
track width Tw is improved.
[0291] Since no demagnetizing field occurs at the two sides of the
first free magnetic sublayer 101 and the second free magnetic
sublayer 97, no buckling phenomenon occurs even in a read head with
a narrower track width. Thus, the output waveform at the two ends
of the track width Tw of the read head is stable.
[0292] Even when the product of the residual magnetization and the
thickness in the hard bias layers 110 is reduced to some extent,
the above exchange interaction prevents the formation of
demagnetizing field at the two sides of the first free magnetic
sublayer 101 and the second free magnetic sublayer 97. Thus, the
bias magnetic field from each hard bias layer 110 can be
effectively applied to the first free magnetic sublayer 101 to
secure the stability of the output waveform at the two ends of the
track width Tw. For example, the thickness of the hard bias layers
110 is reduced to weaken the exchange bias magnetic field so that
insensitive regions for read output in the vicinity of the sides of
the composite a6 are narrowed while a sensitive region for read
output in the center is spread to enhance the read output.
[0293] In this spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, no bias
underlayer is provided between the free magnetic layers 101 and 97
and the hard bias layers 110. That is, the ends 110C of the hard
bias layers 110 are in direct contact with the sides of the first
free magnetic sublayer 101 and the second free magnetic sublayer
97. Alternatively, at least part of the end 110C of each hard bias
layer 110 may be in contact with the sides of the first free
magnetic sublayer 101 and the second free magnetic sublayer 97.
Thus, bias underlayers 116 may have extensions 116e represented by
dashed lines extending to interfaces between the second free
magnetic sublayer 97 and the hard bias layers 110.
[0294] Since at least part of each hard bias layer 110 is in
contact with the first free magnetic sublayer 101, the hard bias
layers 110 and the first free magnetic sublayer 101 are
magnetically coupled with each other by an exchange interaction,
regardless of the extensions 116e of the bias underlayers 116.
Since the magnetic charge accumulated at two sides of the first
free magnetic sublayer 101 and generating a demagnetizing field is
effectively removed due to the exchange interaction, no
demagnetizing field occurs at the two sides of the first free
magnetic sublayer 101. Moreover, a strong bias magnetic field is
applied to the first free magnetic sublayer 101 from each hard bias
layer 110. Thus, disordered magnetization due to the demagnetizing
field is prevented at the two sides of the free magnetic layers,
improving magnetic domain control in the first free magnetic
sublayer 101 and stability of the output waveform at two ends of
the track width Tw.
[0295] In such a spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, the
extensions 116e of the bias underlayers 116 have a thickness of
preferably about 1 nm or less and more preferably about 0.5 nm or
less.
[0296] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element according to
the fourth embodiment, no bias underlayer is provided between the
first free magnetic sublayer 101 and the hard bias layers 110 or
between the second free magnetic sublayer 97 and the hard bias
layers 110. That is, the ends 110C at the composite a6 side of the
hard bias layers 110 are in direct contact with the ends of the
first and second free magnetic sublayers 101 and 97, respectively.
Alternatively, the bias underlayers may has extensions 116f
extending to the interface between the first free magnetic sublayer
101 and the hard bias layers 110 and between the second free
magnetic sublayer 97 and the hard bias layers 110, as shown by
dashed lines in FIG. 14. The thickness of each bias underlayer 116
is smaller at extensions 116f between the first free magnetic
sublayer 101 and the hard bias layers 110 and between the second
free magnetic sublayer 97 and the hard bias layers 110 than at a
portion 116g under the hard bias layers 110, in which the thickness
at the extensions 116f indicates that in the track width direction
of the MR head and the thickness at the portion 116g indicates that
in the height direction of the composite a6.
[0297] Such a thickness relationship forms pinholes in the
extensions 116f of the bias underlayers 116 provided between the
first free magnetic sublayer 101 and the hard bias layers 110 and
between the second free magnetic sublayer 97 and the hard bias
layers 110. Thus, the first free magnetic sublayer 101 and the hard
bias layers 110 are magnetically coupled with each other via the
pinholes in the extensions 116f by an exchange interaction. Since
the magnetic charges accumulated in two sides of the free magnetic
layer are effectively removed by the exchange interaction, no
demagnetizing field occurs at the two sides of the first and second
free magnetic sublayers 101 and 97, respectively. Thus, disordered
magnetization due to the demagnetizing field is prevented at the
two sides of the free magnetic layers, improving magnetic domain
control in first and second free magnetic sublayers 101 and 97,
respectively, and stability of the output waveform at two ends of
the track width Tw.
[0298] The extensions 116f of the bias underlayers 116 ensure high
coercive force and a high remanence ratio of the hard bias layers
110.
[0299] The extensions 116f of the bias underlayers 116 between the
first free magnetic sublayer 101 and the hard bias layers 110 and
between the second free magnetic sublayer 97 and the hard bias
layers 110 has a thickness of preferably about 1 nm or less and
more preferably about 0.5 nm or less.
[0300] A method for making the spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element according to the fourth embodiment is now described.
[0301] The underlayer 91, the lower antiferromagnetic layer 92, the
first lower pinned magnetic sublayer 93, the lower nonmagnetic
interlayer 94, the second lower pinned magnetic sublayer 95, the
nonmagnetic conductive layer 96, the second free magnetic sublayer
97, the nonmagnetic interlayer 100, the first free magnetic
sublayer 101, the nonmagnetic conductive layer 104, the second
upper pinned magnetic sublayer 105, the upper nonmagnetic
interlayer 106, the first upper pinned magnetic sublayer 107, the
upper antiferromagnetic layer 108, and the protective layer 109 are
deposited in that order onto a substrate. After a lift-off resist
is applied onto the composite as in the first embodiment, a portion
not covered with the liftoff resist is removed by ion milling and
the side faces b6 are formed to complete the trapezoidal composite
a6.
[0302] The bias underlayers 116 are formed on the lower
antiferromagnetic layer 92 extending to two sides of the composite
a6 so that the upper surfaces of the bias underlayers 116 are lower
than the lower surface of the second free magnetic sublayer 97.
[0303] Next, the hard bias layers 110 are formed on the bias
underlayers 116 at the two sides of the composite a6 so that the
level thereof is the same as those of the first and second free
magnetic sublayers 101 and 97 and so that the upper surfaces 110A
of the hard bias layers 110 comes into contact with the side faces
b6 of the composite a6 at a position below the top ends of the side
faces b6.
[0304] It is preferable that the thickness of the hard bias layers
110 be larger than the total thickness of the first free magnetic
sublayer 101 and the second free magnetic sublayer 97 in the
thickness direction of the composite a6. The upper surfaces 110A of
the hard bias layers 110 lie above the upper surfaces of the first
and second free magnetic sublayers 101 and 97, respectively, and
the lower surfaces of the hard bias layers 110 lie below the lower
surfaces of the first and second free magnetic sublayers 101 and
97, respectively. The ends 110C of the hard bias layers 110 are in
direct contact with the side faces b6 of the first and second free
magnetic sublayers 101 and 97, respectively.
[0305] Preferably, contact points c6 of upper surfaces 110A of the
hard bias layers 110 with the side faces b6 of the composite a6 lie
be-low the top ends d6 of the side faces b6 of the composite a6 and
below the highest position of the hard bias layers 110.
[0306] Next, conductive layers 111 are formed on the hard bias
layers 110 so as to come into contact with the side faces b6 of the
composite a6.
[0307] The rift-off resist is removed to complete the spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element shown in FIGS. 13 and When a spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element having extensions 116e of the bias
underlayers 116 is produced, the angle defined by a first target to
the substrate is controlled (increased) in the step of forming the
bias underlayers 116 so that each extension 116e is formed at least
on part of each side of the second free magnetic sublayer 97. Other
steps are the same as above.
[0308] In the production of the spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element with the bias underlayers 116 having the extensions 116f
between the first free magnetic sublayer 101 and the hard bias
layers 110 and between the second free magnetic sublayer 97 and the
hard bias layers 110, the angle between the first target and the
substrate is increased in the step of production of the bias
underlayers 116 so that the thickness of the extensions 116f are
smaller than that of the portion 116g under the hard bias layers
110.
[0309] As described above, in the spin-valve thin-film magnetic
elements shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the free magnetic layer, as well
as the pinned magnetic layer, is divided into a first free magnetic
sublayer and a second free magnetic sublayer separated by a
nonmagnetic interlayer. The magnetizations of these two free
magnetic layers are in an antiparallel state (a ferri-magnetic
state) by an exchange coupling magnetic field occurring
therebetween (RKKY interaction) so that these magnetizations can
sensitively rotate in response to an external magnetic field.
[0310] In the present invention, a strong exchange coupling
magnetic field is obtainable by optimizing the ratio of the
thickness of the first free magnetic sublayer to the thickness of
the second free magnetic sublayer, the thickness of the nonmagnetic
interlayer between the first free magnetic sublayer and the second
free magnetic sublayer, the ratio of the thickness of the first
pinned magnetic sublayer to the thickness of the second pinned
magnetic sublayer, the thickness of the nonmagnetic interlayer
between the first pinned magnetic sublayer and the second pinned
magnetic sublayer, and the thickness of the antiferromagnetic
layer. Such a combination of the pinned magnetization state of the
first and second pinned magnetic sublayers and the variable
magnetization state of the first and second free magnetic sublayers
ensures a thermally stable ferri-magnetic state, which is
advantageous for a large rate of change in resistance
(.DELTA.R/R,).
[0311] Moreover, controlling the direction of a sense current
improves thermal stability of the antiparallel (ferri-magnetic)
state of the magnetization of the first pinned magnetic sublayer
and the magnetization of the second pinned magnetic sublayer.
[0312] In a spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, conductive
layers are formed on two sides of a composite including an
antiferromagnetic layer, a pinned magnetic layer, a nonmagnetic
conductive layer, and a free magnetic layer, and a sense current is
supplied from the conductive layers. The sense current primarily
flows in portions having relatively low resistance, that is, the
nonmagnetic conductive layer, the interface between the nonmagnetic
conductive layer and the pinned magnetic layer, and the interface
between the nonmagnetic conductive layer and the free magnetic
layer. Since the pinned magnetic layer is divided into the first
pinned magnetic sublayer and the second pinned magnetic sublayer,
the sense current primarily flows in the interface between the
second pinned magnetic sublayer and the nonmagnetic conductive
layer.
[0313] The sense current generates a sense current magnetic field
by a corkscrew rule. In the present invention, the direction of the
sense current is controlled so that the sense current magnetic
field is equal to the combined magnetic moment, which is the sum of
the magnetic moment of the first pinned magnetic sublayer and the
magnetic moment of the second pinned magnetic sublayer.
Fifth Embodiment
[0314] FIG. 15 represents a cross-sectional view illustrating a
structure of a spin-valve thin-film magnetic element in accordance
with a fifth embodiment when viewed from a face opposing a
recording medium.
[0315] This spin-valve thin-film magnetic element is of a synthetic
ferri-pinned single bottom type having an antiferromagnetic layer,
two pinned magnetic layers, a nonmagnetic conductive layer, and a
free magnetic layer. That is, a first pinned magnetic sublayer and
a second pinned magnetic sublayer are separated by a nonmagnetic
interlayer, and the magnetization vector of the first pinned
magnetic sublayer and the magnetization vector of the second pinned
magnetic sublayer are antiparallel to each other.
[0316] In FIG. 15, an antiferromagnetic layer 311 is formed on an
underlying layer 310 composed of a nonmagnetic material such as Ta
and provided on a substrate not shown in the drawing. A pinned
magnetic layer 312 is formed on the antiferromagnetic layer 311.
The pinned magnetic layer 312 is composed of a first pinned
magnetic sublayer 312A, a nonmagnetic interlayer 312B, and a second
pinned magnetic sublayer 312C, from the bottom.
[0317] A nonmagnetic conductive layer 313 composed of Cu or the
like is formed on the second pinned magnetic sublayer 312C, and a
free magnetic layer 314 is formed on the nonmagnetic conductive
layer 313. A protective layer 315 composed of Ta or the like is
formed on the free magnetic layer 314. A back layer (not shown in
the drawing) composed of Cu, Ag, or Au may be provided between the
free magnetic layer 314 and the protective layer 315.
[0318] As shown in FIG. 15, the layers from part of the
antiferromagnetic layer 311 to the protective layer 315 constitute
a composite a7 having a substantially trapezoidal cross-section.
The lower portion of the antiferromagnetic layer 311 and the
underlying layer 310 further extend from the bottom of the
composite a7 outward.
[0319] Hard bias layers 317 are formed on the antiferromagnetic
layer 311 at the peripheries of the composite a7. Conductive layers
318 composed of Ta or Cr are formed on the hard bias layers 317,
while bias underlayers 316 are formed under the hard bias layers
317 to control the crystal orientation in the hard bias layers 317.
The bias underlayers 316 are composed of a nonmagnetic metal having
a body centered cubic structure, which is the same as the material
for the bias underlayers 6 in the first embodiment. The bias
underlayers 316 also function as buffer layers. The hard bias
layers 317 are composed of, for example, a Co--Pt alloy, a
Co--Cr--Pt alloy, or a Co--Cr--Ta alloy. The bias underlayers 316
and interlayers 319 function as diffusion barriers in a hardening
step of an insulating resist performed at a high temperature in a
subsequent production step of an inductive write head, preventing
thermal diffusion between the hard bias layers 317 and the adjacent
layers and thus deterioration of magnetic characteristics of the
hard bias layers 317.
[0320] Each conductive layer 318 has a single or multiple layer
configuration and is composed of, for example, at least one element
selected from Cr, Au, Ta, and W.
[0321] An advantage of a bottom type having an antiferromagnetic
layer provided at the bottom region compared to a top type having
an antiferromagnetic layer provided at the top region is that the
width of the free magnetic layer defining the magnetic track width
can be easily controlled in response to the width of the lift-off
resist. That is, the bottom type is suitable for a head having a
narrower track width.
[0322] In more detail, it is preferable that the antiferromagnetic
layer 311 in the firth embodiment of the present invention be
composed of a PtMn alloy, as in the antiferromagnetic layer 2 in
the first embodiment, and have a thickness in the range of about 8
through about 11 nm (about 80 through about 110 angstroms) in the
central portion of the composite a7.
[0323] The PtMn alloy may be replaced with an X--Mn or X'--Pt--Mn
alloy wherein X is one element selected from the group consisting
of Pd, Ru, Ir, Rh, and Os, and X' is at least one element selected
from the group consisting of Pd, Ru, Ir, Rh, Os, Au, Ag, Ne, Ar,
Xe, and Kr.
[0324] Preferably, the first pinned magnetic sublayer 312A and the
second pinned magnetic sublayer 312C are composed of a
ferromagnetic material, e.g., elemental cobalt, a NiFe alloy, a
CoNiFe alloy, a CoFe alloy, or a CoNi alloy, and have a total
thickness of about 4 nm (about 40 angstroms). For example, the
first pinned magnetic sublayer 312A is composed of elemental cobalt
and has a thickness in the range of about 1.3 through about 1.5 nm
(about 13 through about 15 angstroms), while the second pinned
magnetic sublayer 312C is composed of elemental cobalt and has a
thickness in the range of about 2 through about 2.5 nm (about 20
through about 25 angstroms).
[0325] Preferably, the nonmagnetic interlayer 312B is composed of
at least one metallic element selected from the group consisting of
Ru, Rh, Ir, Cr, Re, and Cu, and has a thickness of about 0.8 nm
(about 8 angstroms).
[0326] The first pinned magnetic sublayer 312A is in contact with
the antiferromagnetic layer 311 to generate an exchange coupling
magnetic field (exchange anisotropic magnetic field) at the
interface between the first pinned magnetic sublayer 312A and the
antiferromagnetic layer 311 during annealing in a magnetic field.
As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the
magnetization of the first pinned magnetic sublayer 312A is pinned
in the direction opposite to the Y direction in the drawing, the
magnetization of the second pinned magnetic sublayer 312C is pinned
in the Y direction in the drawing. That is, the magnetization of
the first pinned magnetic sublayer 312A and the magnetization of
the nonmagnetic interlayer 312B are antiparallel to each other.
[0327] A more intense exchange coupling magnetic field ensures a
stable antiparallel arrangement between the magnetization of the
first pinned magnetic sublayer 312A and the magnetization of the
second pinned magnetic sublayer 312C. An antiferromagnetic layer
311 composed of an PtMn alloy having a high blocking temperature
and generating a strong exchange coupling magnetic field (exchange
anisotropic magnetic field) at the interface with the first pinned
magnetic sublayer 312A ensures a thermally stable magnetic state
between the first pinned magnetic sublayer 312A and the second
pinned magnetic sublayer 312C.
[0328] In this embodiment, the ratio of the thickness of the first
pinned magnetic sublayer 312A to that of the second pinned magnetic
sublayer 312C is optimized to obtain a strong exchange coupling
magnetic field (Hex) and to ensure a thermally stable antiparallel
state (ferri-magnetic state) between the magnetization of the first
pinned magnetic sublayer 312A and the magnetization of the second
pinned magnetic sublayer 312C and a large rate of change in
resistance (.DELTA.R/R,). Moreover, optimization of the magnitude
and the vector of the magnetic field during annealing can easily
orient the magnetization vector of the first pinned magnetic
sublayer 312A and the magnetization vector of the second pinned
magnetic sublayer 312C in required directions.
[0329] The nonmagnetic conductive layer 313 is composed of copper
or the like and has a thickness in the range of about 2 through
about 2.5 nm (about 20 through about 25 angstroms).
[0330] The free magnetic layer 314 generally has a thickness in the
range of 20 through about 50 angstroms and is preferably composed
of the same material as that the first pinned magnetic sublayer
312A and the second pinned magnetic sublayer 312C.
[0331] Since the hard bias layers 317 are magnetized in the X1
direction, the free magnetic layer 314 is also magnetized in the X1
direction. Thus, the variable magnetization of the free magnetic
layer 314 is perpendicular to the pinned magnetization of the
second pinned magnetic sublayer 312C.
[0332] Preferably, the hard bias layers 317 and the free magnetic
layer 314 lie in the same level, and the thickness of the hard bias
layers 317 is larger than that of the free magnetic layer 314. The
bottom faces of the hard bias layers 317 lie below the bottom face
of the free magnetic layer 314, as shown in FIG. 15. The ends 317C
of the hard bias layers 317 are direct contact with the side faces
b7 of the free magnetic layer 314.
[0333] Preferably, contact points c7 of upper surfaces 317A of the
hard bias layers 317 with the side faces of the composite a7 lie
below the top ends d7 of the side faces b7 of the composite a7 and
below the highest position of the hard bias layers 317, in order to
facilitate flux control in a magnetic field from the hard bias
layers 317 acting on the free magnetic layer 314. That is, a
leakage magnetic field from the hard bias layers 317 is absorbed in
an upper shield layer lying above the composite a7 to prevent an
effective magnetic field applied to the free magnetic layer 314
from decreasing As a result, the free magnetic layer 314 is readily
aligned into a single domain state.
[0334] Conductive layers 318 having a single or multiple layer
configuration exhibit low resistance. In this embodiment, the
conductive layers 318 are composed of chromium (Cr) and are
deposited on interlayers 319 composed of tantalum (Ta) to reduce
electrical resistance.
[0335] As described above, the conductive layers 318 are preferably
formed on the interlayers 319 on the hard bias layers 317 so as to
connect to the side faces b7 of the composite a7.
[0336] The slope angle .theta. of the side faces of the composite
a7 is preferably about 30 degrees or more to increase the thickness
of the ends 317C of the hard bias layers 317 at the composite a7
side. As the thickness of the ends 317C of the hard bias layers 317
increases, portions not provided with the bias underlayers 316
decreases at the ends 317C. Since disordered portions of crystal
orientation decreases at the ends 317C of the hard bias layers 317,
the volume fraction of regions with low coercive force decreases at
the ends 317C, resulting in a Barkhausen jump (BHJ) of about 15% or
less. The slope angle .theta. is more preferably about 45 degrees
or more in order to suppress the BHJ to about 10% or less and most
preferably about 60 degrees or more in order to suppress the BHJ to
about 5% or less.
[0337] In FIG. 15, a sense current is supplied from the conductive
layers 318 to the composite a7. In response to a magnetic field in
the Y direction in the drawing from a magnetic recording medium,
the magnetization of the free magnetic layer 314 varies from the X1
direction to the Y direction in the drawing. At the interface
between the nonmagnetic conductive layer 313 and the free magnetic
layer 314 and the interface between the nonmagnetic conductive
layer 313 and the second pinned magnetic sublayer 312C,
spin-dependent scattering of conduction electrons occurs by the GMR
effect to change the electrical resistance of the spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element. A leakage magnetic field from the
recording medium is detected in such a manner.
[0338] Since the ends 317C of the hard bias layers 317 are in
direct contact with the two sides of the free magnetic layer 314 in
the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the fifth embodiment,
the free magnetic layer 314 and the hard bias layers 317 are
magnetically coupled with each other by exchange coupling (exchange
interaction) so as to effectively apply a strong bias magnetic
field from the hard bias layers 317 to the free magnetic layer 314
without generating a demagnetizing field at the two sides of the
free magnetic layer 314. Since disordering of the magnetization
vector of the free magnetic layer at two sides (a buckling
phenomenon) is avoided, the magnetic domains in the free magnetic
layer 314 may be satisfactorily controlled, and the stability of
the output waveform at the two ends in the track width Tw may be
improved.
[0339] Since the free magnetic layer 314 not having the
demagnetizing field at the two sides does not cause a buckling
phenomenon in a read head with a narrower track width including
this spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, no abnormal waveform is
output at the two ends of the track width Tw, and the output
waveforms exhibit high stability.
[0340] The above-mentioned external magnetic field prevents the
formation of a demagnetizing field at two sides of the free
magnetic layer 314 even if the product of the remanence
magnetization and the thickness of the hard bias layers 317 is
decreased to some extent. Thus, the bias magnetic field from each
hard bias layer 317 may be effectively applied to the free magnetic
layer 314. Thus, the output may be enhanced as follows. For
example, the thickness of the hard bias layers 317 is decreased to
weaken the exchange bias magnetic field. The side regions of the
composite a7 exhibiting low read output are narrowed while the
central region exhibiting high read output is spread.
[0341] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the fifth
embodiment, no bias underlayer is provided between the free
magnetic layer 314 and the hard bias layers 317. That is, the ends
317C of the hard bias layers 317 are in direct contact with the two
sides of the free magnetic layer 314. Alternatively, the bias
underlayers 316 may have extensions 316, as shown by dashed lines
in FIG. 15, extending to the interfaces between the free magnetic
layer 314 and the hard bias layers 317, as long as parts of the
ends 317C of the hard bias layers 317 are in direct contact with
the ends of the free magnetic layer 314.
[0342] In such a configuration, the free magnetic layer 314 is
magnetically coupled with the hard bias layers 317 by exchange
interaction so that magnetic charges accumulated at the two sides
of the free magnetic layer 314 are effectively removed by the
exchange interaction. As a result, no demagnetization field is
generated at the two sides of the free magnetic layer 314.
Moreover, a strong bias magnetic field can be applied from the hard
bias layers 317 to the free magnetic layer 314, although the
efficiency of the bias magnetic field is decreased compared with a
configuration not having the extensions 316e. Thus, disordering of
magnetization of the free magnetic layer at the two sides due to a
demagnetizing field is prevented, the magnetic domains in the free
magnetic layer 314 may be satisfactorily controlled, and the
stability of the output waveform at the two ends in the track width
Tw may be improved.
[0343] When the extensions 316e of the bias underlayers 316 are
provided, the thickness thereof is preferably about 1 nm or less
and more preferably about 0.5 nm or less.
[0344] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the fifth
embodiment, no bias underlayer is provided between the free
magnetic layer 314 and the hard bias layers 317, that is, the hard
bias layers 317 are in direct contact with the two sides of the
free magnetic layer 314. Alternatively, extensions 316f of the bias
underlayers 316 may also be formed at the interfaces between the
free magnetic layer 314 and the hard bias layers 317, as shown by
dashed lines in FIG. 15. In this case, the thickness in the track
width direction of the extensions 316f of the bias underlayers 316
is smaller than the thickness in the height direction of the
portions 316g under the hard bias layers 317.
[0345] In such a configuration, pinholes are formed in the bias
underlayers 316 lying between the free magnetic layer 314 and the
hard bias layers 317. Thus, the free magnetic layer 314 and the
hard bias layers 317 are magnetically coupled with each other by
exchange interaction via these pinholes. The exchange interaction
effectively removes magnetic charges accumulated in the two sides
of the free magnetic layer 314, and no magnetic field is generated
thereat. Thus, disordering of magnetization of the free magnetic
layer at the two sides due to a demagnetizing field is prevented,
the magnetic domains in the free magnetic layer 314 may be
satisfactorily controlled, and the stability of the output waveform
at the two ends in the track width Tw may be improved.
[0346] Moreover, a high coercive force and a high remanence ratio
of the hard bias layers 317 may be maintained at the portions
provided with the bias underlayers 316.
[0347] The extensions 316f of the bias underlayers 316 is
preferably about 1 nm or less or more preferably about 0.5 nm or
less between the free magnetic layer 314 and the hard bias layers
317.
[0348] A method for making the spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element of the fifth embodiment is now described.
[0349] A lift-off resist layer is formed on a composite, which
includes the underlying layer 310, the antiferromagnetic layer 311,
the first pinned magnetic sublayer 312A, the nonmagnetic interlayer
312B, the second pinned magnetic sublayer 312C, the nonmagnetic
conductive layer 313, the free magnetic layer 314, and the
protective layer 315 provided in that order on a substrate, as in
the first embodiment. The portion not covered by the lift-off
resist is removed by ion milling to form the composite a7 of an
isosceles trapezoid having sloping side faces b7.
[0350] The bias underlayers 316 are formed on the antiferromagnetic
layer 311 extending to the two sides of the composite a7 so that
the upper surfaces of the bias underlayers 316 are lower than the
lower surface of the free magnetic layer 314.
[0351] The hard bias layers 317 are formed on the bias underlayers
316 at the two sides of the composite a7 and at a level which is
the same as that of the free magnetic layer 314 so that the upper
surfaces 317A of the hard bias layers 317 are put into contact with
the side faces b7 of the composite a7 at a position below top ends
d7 of the side faces b7 of the composite a7.
[0352] Preferably, the thickness of the hard bias layers 317 is
larger than the thickness of the free magnetic layer 314. The upper
surfaces 317A of the hard bias layers 317 lie above the upper
surface of the free magnetic layer 314 and the lower surfaces of
the hard bias layers 317 lie below the lower surface of the free
magnetic layer 314. The hard bias layers 317 of the hard bias
layers 317 are in direct contact with the side faces b7 of the free
magnetic layer 314.
[0353] Preferably, the contact points c7 of the upper surfaces 317A
of the hard bias layers 317 with the side faces of the composite a7
lie below the top ends d7 of the side faces b7 of the composite a7
and below the highest position of the hard bias layers 317.
[0354] Next, the interlayers 319 are formed on the hard bias layers
317 at the two sides of the composite a7. The conductive layers 318
are formed on the interlayers 319 so as to be connected to the side
faces b7 of the composite a7.
[0355] The lift-off resist is removed to complete the spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element shown in FIG. 15.
[0356] When the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element has the
extensions 316e of the bias underlayers 316, the angle between the
first target and the substrate is increased in the step of forming
the bias underlayers 316e. Other steps are the same as above.
[0357] When the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element has the
extensions 316f of the bias underlayers 316 and when the thickness
of the extensions 316f is smaller than the portions 316g under the
hard bias layers 317, the angle between the first target and the
substrate is further increased in the step of forming the bias
underlayers 316e. Other steps are the same as above.
Sixth Embodiment
[0358] FIG. 16 represents a cross-sectional view of a structure of
a spin-valve thin-film magnetic element according to a sixth
embodiment viewed from the face opposing a recording medium. FIG.
17 represents a cross sectional view of the spin-valve thin-film
magnetic element viewed from the track width direction.
[0359] The spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of this embodiment
is also a bottom-type synthetic-ferri-pinned spin-valve thin
magnetic element. The spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of this
embodiment may be distinguished from that of the fifth embodiment
in that the free magnetic layer is of a synthetic-ferri-free
type.
[0360] In FIG. 16, an antiferromagnetic layer 311 is formed on an
underlayer 310 composed of a nonmagnetic material such as tantalum
(Ta) formed on a substrate (not shown). A pinned magnetic layer 312
is formed on the antiferromagnetic layer 311.
[0361] The pinned magnetic layer 312 comprises a first pinned
magnetic sublayer 312A, a nonmagnetic interlayer 312B, and a second
pinned magnetic sublayer 312C magnetized in antiparallel to the
magnetization vector of the first pinned magnetic sublayer 312A.
The nonmagnetic interlayer 312B is provided between the first
pinned magnetic sublayer 312A and the second pinned magnetic
sublayer 312C.
[0362] A nonmagnetic conductive layer 313 composed of copper (Cu)
or the like is formed on the second pinned magnetic sublayer 312C.
A free magnetic layer 444 of a synthetic-ferri-free-type is formed
on the nonmagnetic conductive layer 313.
[0363] The free magnetic layer 444 comprises a first free magnetic
sublayer 444A, a second free magnetic sublayer 444C, and a
nonmagnetic interlayer 444B provided between the first free
magnetic sublayer 444A and the second free magnetic sublayer 444C.
The magnetization vectors of the first free magnetic sublayer 444A
and the second free magnetic sublayer 444C are in a ferri-magnetic
state, i.e., are antiparallel to each other. The first free
magnetic sublayer 444A is provided to contact a protective layer
315 and the second free magnetic sublayer 444C is provided to
contact the nonmagnetic conductive layer 313.
[0364] The first free magnetic sublayer 444A and the second free
magnetic sublayer 444C are composed of the same material as the
free magnetic layer 314 of the fifth embodiment. Preferably, the
nonmagnetic interlayer 444B is composed of at least one element
selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, Ir, Cr, Re, and
Cu.
[0365] The first free magnetic sublayer 444A and the second free
magnetic sublayer 444C may be composed of a NiFe alloy, a CoFe
alloy, a CoNiFe alloy, or the like. The thickness of the first free
magnetic sublayer 444A and the thickness of the second free
magnetic sublayer 444C are different from each other.
[0366] Alternatively, each the first free magnetic sublayer 444A
and the second free magnetic sublayer 444C may comprise two
sublayers.
[0367] Preferably, a Co layer is provided at the interface between
the second free magnetic sublayer 444C and the nonmagnetic
conductive layer 313 and at the interface between the second pinned
magnetic sublayer 312C and the nonmagnetic conductive layer
313.
[0368] The protective layer 315 composed of tantalum (Ta) or the
like is formed on the free magnetic layer 444.
[0369] As shown in FIG. 16, a composite a8 having a substantially
trapezoidal cross-section is provided. The composite a8 is
constituted of layers including part of the antiferromagnetic layer
311 to the protective layer 315. The lower portion of the
antiferromagnetic layer 311 and the underlayer 310 under the
antiferromagnetic layer 311 extend outward beyond the pinned
magnetic layer 312, the nonmagnetic conductive layer 313, and the
free magnetic layer 444.
[0370] Hard bias layers 317 are formed on the underlayer 310 at the
two sides of the composite a8. Conductive layers 318 are formed on
the hard bias layers 317 separated by interlayers 319 composed of
Ta or Cr. Bias underlayers 316 for controlling the crystal
orientation of the hard bias layers are formed under the hard bias
layers 317. The bias underlayers 316 are composed of the same
nonmagnetic metal having a body-centered cubic structure as the
bias underlayers 6 of the first embodiment. The bias underlayers
316 also function as the buffer layers.
[0371] Upper surfaces 317A of the hard bias layers 317 directly
contact side surfaces b8 of the composite a8 at the position
between the upper surface and lower surface of the second free
magnetic sublayer 444C, i.e., the upper surfaces 317A are in direct
contact with the two end portions of the second free magnetic
sublayer 444C. In this manner, the leakage magnetic field from the
hard bias layers 317 can be applied to the second free magnetic
sublayer 444C only.
[0372] Preferably, the upper surfaces 317A of the hard bias layers
317 contact the side surfaces b8 of the composite a8 at the
position between the upper surface of the second free magnetic
sublayer 444C and the middle of the thickness of the second free
magnetic sublayer 444C. In this manner, a strong bias magnetic
field may be applied from the hard bias layers 317 to the second
free magnetic sublayer 444C. The hard bias layers 317 are
magnetized in the X1 direction in the drawings and orient the
magnetization vector of the second free magnetic sublayer 444C in
the X1 direction.
[0373] The first free magnetic sublayer 444A is magnetically
coupled with the second free magnetic sublayer 444C by an exchange
coupling field (RKKY interaction) and is thereby magnetized in the
direction opposite to the X1 direction in the drawings. When the
external magnetic field is applied, the magnetization vectors of
the first free magnetic sublayer 444A and the second free magnetic
sublayer 444C rotate while maintaining the ferri-magnetic state. In
other words, when the magnetization vector of the second free
magnetic sublayer 444C is oriented in the X1 direction in the
drawings by the hard bias layers 317, the magnetization vector of
the first free magnetic sublayer 444A is oriented in the direction
opposite to the X1 direction in the drawings.
[0374] The thickness t.sub.2 of the second free magnetic sublayer
444C is larger than the thickness t.sub.1 of the first free
magnetic sublayer 444A.
[0375] When the saturation magnetization of the first free magnetic
sublayer 444A is represented by M.sub.1 and the saturation
magnetization of the second free magnetic sublayer 444C is
represented by M.sub.2, the magnetic thickness of the first free
magnetic sublayer 444A is M.sub.1.multidot.t.sub.1, and the
magnetic thickness of the second free magnetic sublayer 444C is
M.sub.2.multidot.t.sub.2.
[0376] The first free magnetic sublayer 444A and the second free
magnetic sublayer 444C of the free magnetic layer 444 comply with
the relationship
M.sub.2.multidot.t.sub.2>M.sub.1.multidot.t.sub.1. In this
manner, the magnetization of the second free magnetic sublayer 444C
remains so as to orient the magnetization vector of the entire free
magnetic layer 444 in the X1 direction in the drawings. The
effective layer thickness of the free magnetic layer 444 at this
time is (M.sub.2.multidot.t.sub.2-M.sub.1- .multidot.t.sub.1).
[0377] Since the first free magnetic sublayer 444A and the second
free magnetic sublayer 444C are antiferromagnetically coupled in
antiparallel to each other and the magnetic thickness thereof
comply with the relationship
[0378] M.sub.2.multidot.t.sub.2>M.sub.1.multidot.t.sub.1, a
ferri-magnetic state is synthesized.
[0379] Moreover, the magnetization vector of the free magnetic
layer 444 and the magnetization vector of the pinned magnetic layer
312 are substantially orthogonal to each other.
[0380] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the sixth
embodiment, because the magnetic thickness of the second free
magnetic sublayer 444C is larger than the magnetic thickness of the
first free magnetic sublayer 444A, the effective magnetic thickness
of the free magnetic layer 444 is defined as the difference between
the magnetic thicknesses of the first and second free magnetic
layers 444A and 444C. Thus, by properly controlling the thicknesses
of the first and second free magnetic layers 444A and 444C so as to
reduce the effective layer thickness of the free magnetic layer
444, the magnetization vector of the free magnetic layer 444
changes in response to a weak external magnetic field, improving
the sensitivity of the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element.
Furthermore, because the thickness of the free magnetic layer 444
as a whole can be increased to a certain extent, an adequate rate
of change in resistance can be obtained and sensitivity of the
spin-valve thin-film magnetic element can be improved.
[0381] Slope angles .theta. of the side portions of the composite
a8 sandwiched by the hard bias layers 317 are preferably about 30
degrees or more. In this manner, the thickness of end portions 317C
of the hard bias layers 317 facing the composite a8 is increased.
As the thickness of the end portions 317C increases, the end
portions 317C not provided with the bias underlayer 316 are
minimized. In other words, the end portions 317C having disordered
crystal orientations become smaller. As a consequence, the volume
of the end portions 317C having a reduced coercive force is
decreased, thereby reducing Barkhausen jump (BHJ) to about 15% or
less. Preferably the slope angle .theta. is about 45 degrees or
more to reduce the BHJ to about 10% or less and, and more
preferably, the slope angle .theta. is about 60 degrees or more to
reduce the BHJ to about 5% or less.
[0382] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the sixth
embodiment, the end portions 317C of the hard bias layers 317 are
in direct contact with the two sides of the second free magnetic
sublayer 444C. Thus, the second free magnetic sublayer 444C and the
hard bias layers 317 provided at the sides thereof are magnetically
coupled by an exchange interaction. As a consequence, generation of
a demagnetizing field at the end portions of the second free
magnetic sublayer 444C is prevented, and a strong bias magnetic
field may be effectively applied to the second free magnetic
sublayer 444C from the hard bias layers 317. It also becomes
possible to prevent the disorder of the magnetization vectors in
the two side portions of the free magnetic layer due to the
demagnetizing field which would otherwise occur (prevention of the
buckling phenomenon). Moreover, the magnetic domains in the free
magnetic layer 444 can be suitably controlled, thereby improving
the stability of the output waveform at the two ends of the track
width Tw.
[0383] Moreover, since there is no demagnetizing field in the two
side portions of the second free magnetic sublayer 444C, the
buckling phenomenon is inhibited, thereby preventing the output
waveform at the two end portions of the track width Tw from
becoming erroneous. Thus, the stability the output waveform can be
improved for the read head as a whole.
[0384] Even when the product of the remanence and the layer
thickness of the hard bias layers 317 is reduced to a certain
extent, the exchange interaction prevents the generation of the
demagnetizing field at the two side portions of the second free
magnetic sublayer. The bias magnetic field may then be effectively
applied to the second free magnetic sublayer 444C from the hard
bias layers 317, and the stability of the output waveform at the
two ends of the track width can be improved. The thickness of the
hard bias layers 317 may be reduced so as to reduce the exchange
bias field, and the region, in the vicinity of the composite a8,
having low output can be reduced so as to enlarge the region at the
center with high output, thereby increasing the output.
[0385] It should be noted that in the spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element of the sixth embodiment, the bias underlayers are not
provided between the second free magnetic sublayer 444C and the
hard bias layers 317 at the sides thereof. In other words, the hard
bias layers 317 of the hard bias layers 317 are in direct contact
with the two end portions of the second free magnetic sublayer
444C. However, the end portions 317C of the hard bias layers 317
and the two side portions of the second free magnetic sublayer 444C
are only required to contact each other partially. Thus, each of
the bias underlayers hard bias layers 317 may comprise an extension
316e extending to the interface between the second free magnetic
sublayer 444C and the hard bias layer 317.
[0386] In this type of spin-valve thin-film magnetic element,
because the hard bias layers 317 and the free magnetic layer 444
are partially in contact with each other, the second free magnetic
sublayer 444C and the hard bias layers 317 at the sides thereof are
magnetically coupled due to the exchange interaction even when the
bias underlayers 316 extend to the interfaces between the second
free magnetic sublayer 444C and the hard bias layers 317.
Consequently, the magnetic charges accumulated in the two side
portions of the second free magnetic sublayer 444C, which will be a
cause of the demagnetizing field, are effectively removed by the
above-described exchange interaction and generation of the
demagnetizing field at the two side portions of the second free
magnetic sublayer 444C can be effectively inhibited. Although the
efficiency of the bias magnetic field applied from the hard bias
layers 317 to the second free magnetic sublayer 444C is decreased
compared to the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element comprising
without portions extending to the interfaces between the second
free magnetic sublayer 444C and the hard bias layers 317, a strong
bias magnetic field may still be suitably applied from the hard
bias layers 317 to the second free magnetic sublayer 444C. Thus,
the magnetization vectors in the two side portions of the free
magnetic layer are prevented from being disordered due to the
demagnetizing field which would otherwise occur in the two side
portions of the free magnetic layer. The magnetic domains of the
free magnetic layer 444 may be suitably controlled and the
stability of the read waveform at the two ends of the track width
Tw may be improved.
[0387] Preferably, the thickness of the extensions 316e of the bias
underlayers 316 of the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element is
about 1 nm or less, more preferably, about 0.5 nm or less.
[0388] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the sixth
embodiment, the bias underlayer is not provided at the interfaces
between the second free magnetic sublayer 444C and the hard bias
layers 317 at the sides thereof. In other words, the end portions
317C of the hard bias layers 317 facing the composite a8 are in
direct contact with the two end portions of the second free
magnetic sublayer 444C. Alternatively, the hard bias layers 317 may
be formed to extend to the interfaces between the second free
magnetic sublayer 444C and the hard bias layers 317 as indicated by
dotted lines in FIG. 16. In this case, the thickness in the track
width direction of the MR head of extensions 316f, which is the
portions of the bias underlayers 316 provided between the second
free magnetic sublayer 444C and the hard bias layers 317, are set
to be smaller than the thickness in the height direction of the
composite a8 of bottom portions 316g at the bottom of the hard bias
layers 317.
[0389] In this spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, the
extensions 316f are thinner than the bottom portions 316g of the
bias underlayers 316. In this manner, pinholes are formed in the
extensions 316f of the bias underlayers 316, and the second free
magnetic sublayer 444C and the hard bias layers 317 provided at the
two sides thereof are magnetically coupled through these pinholes
in the extensions 316f by the exchange interaction. The magnetic
charges accumulated in the two end portions of the second free
magnetic sublayer 444C are effectively removed by the exchange
interaction, inhibiting the generation of the demagnetizing field.
Thus, a strong bias magnetic field can be suitably applied from the
hard bias layers 317 to the second free magnetic sublayer 444C, and
the magnetization vectors at the two side portions of the free
magnetic layers are inhibited from being disordered due to the
demagnetizing field which would otherwise occur. The magnetic
domains in the upper antiferromagnetic layer 44 may be suitably
controlled and the stability of the output waveform at the two ends
of the track width Tw may be improved.
[0390] The hard bias layers 317 obtain an increased coercive force
and remanence ratio when the bias underlayers 316 are provided at
the interfaces between the free magnetic layer and the hard bias
layers.
[0391] In this spin-valve thin-film magnetic element, the thickness
of the extensions 316f of the bias underlayers 316 at the
interfaces between the 444c and the hard bias layers 317 is
preferably about 1 nm or less, and more preferably, about 0.5 nm or
less.
[0392] Moreover, in the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of
the sixth embodiment, because the element is of
synthetic-ferri-free type, sensitivity thereof is improved compared
to the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the fifth
embodiment.
[0393] Next, a method for making the spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element of the sixth embodiment will be described.
[0394] First, an composite layer comprising the underlayer 310, the
antiferromagnetic layer 311, the first pinned magnetic sublayer
312A, the nonmagnetic interlayer 312B, the second pinned magnetic
sublayer 312C, the nonmagnetic conductive layer 313, the second
free magnetic sublayer 444C, the nonmagnetic interlayer 444B, the
first free magnetic sublayer 444A, and the protective layer 315,
deposited in that order, is formed on a substrate. The same
lift-off resist layer as in the first embodiment is then formed on
the composite layer. The portion not covered by the lift-off resist
layer is removed by means of ion milling so as to form the
composite a8 having the side surfaces b8. The cross-section of the
composite a8 has the shape of an isosceles trapezoid.
[0395] Next, the bias underlayers 316 are deposited on the
antiferromagnetic layer 311 at the two sides of the composite a8.
The upper surfaces of the bias underlayers 316 are positioned at a
level lower than the lower surface of the free magnetic layer
444.
[0396] Next, the hard bias layers 317 are formed on the bias
underlayers 316 at the two sides of the composite a8 so that at
least part of the each hard bias layer 317 is positioned at the
same level as the free magnetic layer 444 and that the upper
surfaces 317A of the hard bias layers 317 come into contact with
the side surfaces b8 of the composite a8 at a position lower than
top ends d8 of the side surfaces b8 of the composite a8.
[0397] Preferably, the thickness of the hard bias layers 317 is
larger than the thickness of the free magnetic layer 444. The upper
surfaces 317A of the hard bias layers 317 are positioned at a level
higher than the upper surface of the free magnetic layer 444 and
the lower surfaces of the hard bias layers 317 are positioned at a
level lower than the lower surface of the free magnetic layer 444.
The end portion 317C of the hard bias layers 317 facing the
composite a8 are in direct contact with the side surfaces b8 of the
composite a8 (the two sides of the second free magnetic sublayer
444C)
[0398] Preferably, contact points c8 where the upper surfaces 317A
meet the side surfaces b8 of the composite a8 are positioned at a
level lower than the top ends d8 of the side surfaces b8 of the
composite a8 and lower than the highest level of the hard bias
layers 317.
[0399] Next, the interlayers 319 are formed on the hard bias layers
317 at the two sides of the composite a8.
[0400] The conductive layers 318 are then formed on the interlayers
319 so as to contact the side surfaces b8 of the composite a8.
[0401] Finally, the lift-off resist layer is removed to complete
the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element shown in FIG. 16.
[0402] It should be noted that when making the spin-valve thin-film
magnetic element comprising the extensions 316e at the interfaces
between the free magnetic layer 444 and the hard bias layers 317,
the angle defined by a first target and the substrate is adjusted
(typically increased) during the step of forming the bias
underlayers so as to form the bias underlayers 316 on parts of the
side surfaces b8 of the composite a8 (parts of the two end portions
of the second free magnetic sublayer 444C) and on the
antiferromagnetic layer 311 at the two sides of the composite a8.
The rest of the process is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0403] When making the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element
including the bias underlayers 316 comprising the extensions 316f
at the interfaces between the second free magnetic sublayer 444C
and the hard bias layers 317 and the bottom portions 316g at the
bottom of the hard bias layers 317, the thickness of the extensions
316f being smaller than the thickness of the bottom portions 316g,
the angle defined by the first target and the substrate is adjusted
(typically further increased) during the step of forming the bias
underlayers so as to form the bias underlayer 316 on the
antiferromagnetic layer 311 at the two sides of the composite a8
and on the side surfaces of the composite a8 (at the two sides of
the free magnetic layer). The rest of the process is the same as in
the first embodiment.
[0404] In the each of the spin-valve thin-film magnetic elements of
the first to sixth embodiments, the nonmagnetic interlayer is
provided to divide the pinned magnetic layer into two sublayers.
Alternatively, the pinned magnetic layer may be of a type without
the nonmagnetic interlayer, such as that comprising at least one
antiferromagnetic layer.
[0405] Next, the thin-film magnetic head in accordance with the
present invention is described.
[0406] FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary thin-film magnetic head.
The thin-film magnetic head is distinguished from a conventional
thin-film magnetic head in that one of the first to sixth
embodiments of the spin-valve thin-film magnetic elements is
provided therein.
[0407] The spin-valve thin-film magnetic element is an important
part of the thin-film magnetic head (read head).
[0408] In order to make the thin-film magnetic head of the present
invention, a lower gap layer 254 is first formed on a lower shield
layer 253 composed of a nonmagnetic material, as shown in FIGS. 25
and 26, and then one of the first to sixth embodiments of the
spin-valve thin-film magnetic elements is deposited so as to form a
magnetoresistive thin-film element layer 245. An upper shield layer
257 is then formed on the resulting spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element with an upper gap layer 256 therebetween so as to complete
an MR head (read head) h1.
[0409] Next, a gap layer 264 is formed on a lower core layer 257
which also functions as the upper shield layer of the MR head h1. A
spiral coil layer 266 is formed on the gap layer 264, surrounded
with a first insulating layer 267A and a second insulating layer
267B. An upper core layer 268 is formed on the second insulating
layer 267B, and a protective layer 269 is formed on the upper core
layer 268 to complete the thin-film magnetic head.
[0410] Because the thin-film magnetic head is equipped with one of
the above-described first to sixth embodiments of the spin-valve
thin-film magnetic elements, the magnetic domains of the free
magnetic layer may be suitably controlled, generation of Barkhausen
noise may be prevented, and the stability of the waveform at the
two sides of the track width may be improved.
[0411] It should be noted that the configuration of the slider and
inductive head of the thin-film magnetic head is not limited to
that shown in FIGS. 15 to 17. Various other structures concerning
the slider and the inductive head also may be employed.
EXAMPLES
First Example
[0412] Using a bottom-type synthetic-ferri-pinned spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element in which bias underlayers were provided
only at the bottom of hard bias layers and the hard bias layers
were in direct contact with a free magnetic layer, the relationship
between an alignment state of the magnetization vectors at the two
side portions of the free magnetic layer and an exchange coupling
(exchange interaction) between the free magnetic layer and the hard
bias layers arranged at the two sides thereof was examined by
micro-magnetic simulation and by measuring a quasi-static transfer
(QST) curve of the resulting head. The spin-valve thin-film
magnetic element used in the experiment was the same type as that
of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 15 (hereinafter referred to
as the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the first example).
The results are shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 illustrates the
distribution of the magnetic vectors in the free magnetic layer of
the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the first example.
[0413] In the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the first
example, the track width was about 0.3 .mu.m, and the height of the
element was about 0.25 .mu.m.
[0414] The spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the first
example included an underlayer 310 composed of Ta having a
thickness of about 3.0 .mu.m, an antiferromagnetic layer composed
of PtMn having a thickness of about 15.0 nm, a first pinned
magnetic sublayer 312A composed of Co having a thickness of about
2.0 nm, a nonmagnetic interlayer 312B composed of Ru having a
thickness of about 0.8 nm, a second pinned magnetic sublayer 312C
composed of Co having a thickness of about 2.5 nm, a nonmagnetic
conductive layer 313 composed of Cu having a thickness of about 2.7
nm, a free magnetic layer 314 composed of a sublayer composed of Co
having a thickness of about 0.5 nm and a sublayer composed of NiFe
having a thickness of about 4.0 nm, and a protective layer 315
composed of Ta having a thickness of about 2.0 nm. The magnetic
thickness of the free magnetic layer was about 4.52
(T.multidot.nm). The slope angles .theta. at the side portions of
the composite were about 60 degrees.
[0415] The thickness of hard bias layers composed of CoPt arranged
at the two sides of the composite was about 10 nm (about 100
angstroms) and the thickness of conductive layers composed of Cr
provided on the hard bias layers was 100 nm (1000 angstroms). The
thickness of bias underlayers composed of Cr provided at the bottom
of the hard bias layers was about 3 nm (about 30 angstroms). The
magnetic thickness of the hard bias layers was about 9.4
(T.multidot.nm). Contact points where the upper surfaces of the
hard bias layers and the side surfaces of the composite meet were
positioned at the level lower than top ends of the side surfaces of
the composite and lower than the highest point of the hard bias
layers distant from the composite, so that the end portions of the
hard bias layers were in direct contact with the free magnetic
layer. The thickness of bias underlayers provided between the hard
bias layers and the antiferromagnetic layer was about 3 nm (about
30 angstroms). The direction of a hard bias magnetic field was the
X1 direction, as in FIG. 15.
[0416] In the first example, as shown in FIG. 19, the magnetic
vectors were uniformly aligned in the X1 direction even in the two
side portions of the free magnetic layer. FIG. 21 is a graph
showing the QST curve obtained by applying an alternating magnetic
field of about .+-.20 kA/m (about 250 Oe) in the direction
perpendicular to the air bearing surface of the magnetic head. As
shown in FIG. 21, the QST curve was smooth, without Barkhausen jump
or hysteresis.
[0417] In contrast, a spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of a
comparative example having the identical structure except that bias
underlayers of about 5 nm in thickness were provided under hard
bias layers and at the interfaces between the free magnetic layer
and the hard bias layers (the hard bias layers and the free
magnetic layers were not in direct contact with each other)
underwent the same micro-magnetic simulation and the examination of
the QCT curve to observe the magnetization vectors at the two sides
of the free magnetic layer. The results are shown in FIG. 20. FIG.
20 illustrates the distribution of the magnetization vectors of the
free magnetic layer in the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of
the comparative example. FIG. 22 is a graph showing the QST curve
obtained by applying an alternating magnetic field of about .+-.20
kA/m (about 250 Oe) in the direction perpendicular to the air
bearing surface of the magnetic head using the spin-valve thin-film
magnetic element of the comparative example.
[0418] FIG. 20 shows that, in the spin-valve thin-film magnetic
element of the comparative example provided with the bias
underlayers of 5 nm in thickness under the hard bias layers and at
the interfaces between the free magnetic layer and the hard bias
layers, the magnetization vectors at the sides of the free magnetic
layer were disordered, being non-uniformly aligned in the X1
direction. As a consequence, Barkhausen noise and hysteresis were
observed in the QCT curve obtained from the spin-valve thin-film
magnetic element of the comparative example, as shown in FIG. 22,
and the output waveform was not stable. The Barkhausen jump in this
curve was expected to be about 15.3%.
[0419] It was apparent from the results shown in FIGS. 19 and 21,
that the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the first example
having the bias underlayers only at the bottom of the hard bias
layers so as to directly connect the hard bias layers and the free
magnetic layer was superior to the conventional spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element in that the magnetization vectors at the
two sides of the magnetic vectors were more uniform. The stability
of the output waveform at the two ends of the track width was
improved in the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the first
example.
Second Example
[0420] A spin-valve thin-film magnetic element having a structure
identical to that of the first example, except for the slope angle
.theta. at the side portion of the composite, was prepared. The
slope angle .theta. was changed in the range of about 15 through
about 60 degrees and the dependency of Barkhausen jump (BHJ) to the
slope angle at the side portion of the composite was examined.
[0421] The BHJ was determined as follows. A read head (MR head)
equipped with the spin-valve thin-film magnetic element of the
second example was prepared. A sense current of about 5 mA flowed
and, simultaneously, an alternating external magnetic field of
about .+-.60 kA/M (about .+-.750 Oe) was applied in the direction
perpendicular to an air bearing surface (ABS) of the read head so
as to obtain a QCT curve B in FIG. 18. The QCT curve B was compared
with an ideal QCT curve A in FIG. 18 having no Barkhausen noise or
hysteresis and capable of applying a sufficiently strong exchange
bias to the free magnetic layer. When there was a jump deviating
from the ideal QCT curve A, the voltage (Vjump) corresponding to
the jump at the two ends of the thin-film magnetic element was
measured. The difference between the voltages at both ends (when
the applied alternating external magnetic field was at maximum and
at minimum) of the ideal QCT curve was then measured (.DELTA.V) and
the ratio of .DELTA.V to Vjump was determined and multiplied by 100
to obtain the BHJ (%). In other words, the BHJ may be obtained from
the formula BHJ (%)=(Vjump/.DELTA.V).times.100. The results are
shown in FIG. 23 and Table 1. It should be noted here that when
(Vjump/.DELTA.V) is significant, the BHJ is also significant. A
bias magnetic field applied to the free magnetic layer will not be
sufficient or stable in such a case and Barkhausen noise may
readily occur.
1 TABLE 1 Slope Barkhausen Angle .theta. Jump (%) 15 32 25 19 30
14.5 40 10.6 45 9.5 50 6.8 60 4.8
[0422] As shown in FIG. 23 and Table 1, the BHJ was about 19% when
the slope angle .theta. at the side portion of the composite of the
spin-valve thin-film magnetic element was about 25 degrees, and the
BHJ was about 32% when the slope angle .theta. was about 15
degrees. The Barkhausen jump drastically increased as the slope
angle .theta. became less than about 30 degrees. In contrast, the
BHJ was about 14.5% when the slope angle .theta. was about 30
degrees. The BHJ decreased as the slope angle .theta.
increased.
[0423] The coercive force of the planar portions of the hard bias
layers (the portions excluding the end portions) was about 80 kA/m
(about 1,000 Oe) or more. If the end portions of the free magnetic
layer facing the composite had a sufficient coercive force, the
exchange bias would not be affected by the alternating external
magnetic field of about .+-.60 kA/m. However, the volume of the end
portions having low coercive force due to the lack of the bias
underlayers increased as the slope angle was decreased to less than
about 30 degrees, resulting in the disorder of the bias magnetic
field (exchange bias) and increasing Barkhausen noise and
hysteresis in the QCT curve.
[0424] It should be noted that although the magnetic field from the
magnetic recording medium is usually significantly less than about
60 kA/m, the magnetic field of an inductive head (write head)
adjacent to the read head is strong during writing and the exchange
bias of the magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element in the read
head may be affected. Thus, when the Barkhausen jump was small in a
high magnetic field, the exchange bias is uniformly oriented and a
sufficient bias magnetic field can be provided to the free magnetic
layer, preventing the Barkhausen noise.
[0425] The Barkhausen jump was drastically decreased as the slope
angle was increased to about 30 degrees or more. This was because
the thickness of the end portions of the hard bias layers facing
the composite was increased. As the thickness increased, the end
portions at the hard bias layers facing the composite, i.e., the
portions not provided with the bias underlayers at their bottom,
were reduced. In other words, the end portions having disordered
crystal orientations and a lower coercive force were reduced,
thereby decreasing the BHJ.
[0426] It can be understood from the above that the slope angle
.theta. at the side portion of the composite of the spin-valve
thin-film magnetic element is preferably about 30 degrees or more
to reduce the Barkhausen jump to about 15% or less. More
preferably, the slope angle .theta. is about 45 degrees or more to
reduce the Barkhausen jump to about 10% or less. Most preferably,
the slope angle .theta. is about 60 degrees or more to reduce the
Barkhausen jump to about 5% or less.
[0427] As described above, in the magnetoresistive thin-film
magnetic element in accordance with the present invention, the hard
bias layers and the free magnetic layer are in contact with each
other at least partly. Thus, the free magnetic layer and the hard
bias layers at the two sides thereof are magnetically coupled by an
exchange coupling (exchange interaction), inhibiting the generation
of the demagnetizing field at the two side portions of the free
magnetic layer. As a result, a strong bias magnetic field may be
effectively applied from the hard bias layers to the free magnetic
layer, the magnetization vectors at the two side portions of the
free magnetic layer are prevented from becoming disordered by the
demagnetizing field which would otherwise occur (prevention of the
buckling phenomenon), and the magnetic domains of the free magnetic
layers may be satisfactorily controlled. The stability of the
output waveform may also be improved.
[0428] Moreover, because no demagnetizing field is generated at the
two side portions of the free magnetic layer, the buckling
phenomenon can be prevented even when the track width of the read
head equipped with the magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element
is made narrower. The output waveform at the two ends of the track
width may be prevented from becoming erroneous by the buckling
phenomenon, and stability of the waveform for the read head as a
whole may be improved.
[0429] Furthermore, even when the product of the remanence and
layer thickness of the hard bias layers are reduced to a certain
extent, the demagnetizing field is prevented at the two side
portion of the free magnetic layer, a bias magnetic field may be
effectively applied to the free magnetic layer from the hard bias
layers, and the stability of the output waveform at the two ends of
the track width can be ensured. In this respect, for example, the
thickness of the hard bias layers may be decreased so as to weaken
the exchange bias magnetic field, and the region at the sides of
the composite with low output can be minimized so as to enlarge the
central region having high output, thereby improving the read
output.
[0430] In the magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element, the
thickness of the bias underlayers is smaller at the interfaces
between the free magnetic layer and the hard bias layers than at
the bottom of the hard bias layers. As a result, pinholes are
formed in the portions of the bias underlayers provided between the
free magnetic layers and the hard bias layers, and the free
magnetic layer and the hard bias layers are magnetically coupled
through these pinholes in the bias underlayers by the exchange
interaction.
[0431] Consequently, in this magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic
element, the magnetic charges accumulated at the two side portions
of the free magnetic layers are effectively removed, thereby
inhibiting the generation of the demagnetizing field at the two
side portions. A strong bias magnetic field may be effectively
applied to the free magnetic layer from the hard bias layers, the
magnetization vectors at the two side portions of the free magnetic
layer is prevented from becoming disordered by the demagnetizing
field which would otherwise occur in the two side portions of the
free magnetic field, and the magnetic domains of the free magnetic
layer can be satisfactorily controlled, thereby improving the
stability of the output waveform.
[0432] The present invention also provides a method suitable for
making the magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element in
accordance with the present invention, comprising the bias
underlayers provided at the bottom of the hard bias layers, and the
magnetoresistive thin-film magnetic element in accordance with the
present invention, comprising the bias underlayers provided at the
bottom of the hard bias layers and extending to the interfaces
between the free magnetic layer and the hard bias layers.
[0433] Various embodiments of the invention have been described and
illustrated. However, the description and illustrations are by way
of example only. Other embodiments and implementations are possible
within the scope of this invention and will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the invention is not limited
to the specific details, representative embodiments, and
illustrated examples in this description. Accordingly, the
invention is not to be restricted except in light as necessitated
by the accompanying claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *